Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pick's Disease: A Modern Approach

Pick's disease is a rare dementing disorder that is sometimes familial. The cardinal features are circumscribed cortical atrophy most often affecting the frontal and temporal poles and argyrophilic, round intraneuronal inclusions (Pick bodies). Clinical manifestations reflect the distribution of cortical degeneration, and personality deterioration and memory deficits are often more severe than visuospatial and apraxic disorders that are common in Alzheimer's disease, but clinical overlap with other non‐Alzheimer degenerative disorders is increasingly recognized. Neuronal loss and degeneration are usually maximal in the limbic system, including hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and amygdala. Numerous Pick bodies are often present in the dentate fascia of the hippocampus. Less specific features include leukoencephalopathy and ballooned cortical neurons (Pick cells). Glial reaction is often pronounced in affected cerebral gray and white matter. Tau‐immunoreactive glial inclusions are a recently recognized finding in Pick's disease, and neuritic changes have also recently been described. Variable involvement of the deep gray matter and the brainstem is typical, with a predilection for the monoaminergic nuclei and nuclei of the pontine base. Neurochemical studies demonstrate deficits in intrinsic cortical neurotransmitter systems (e.g., somatostatin), but inconsistent loss of transmitters in systems projecting to the cortex (e.g., cholinergic neurons of the basal nucleus). Biochemical and immunocytochemical studies have demonstrated that abnormal tau proteins are the major structural components of Pick bodies. A specific tau protein immunoblotting pattern different from that seen in Alzheimer's disease and certain other disorders has been suggested in some studies. A specific molecular marker and a genetic locus for familial cases are not known.
Neurobiological mechanisms of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the underlying neuro circuitry in unipolar depression

For nearly two decades now, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been available as a noninvasive clinical tool to treat patients suffering from major depression. In this period, a bulk of animal and human studies examined TMS parameters to improve clinical outcome. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying mood changes remain an important focus of research. In addition to having an effect on neuroendocrinological processes, neurotransmitter systems, and neurotrophic factors, TMS may not only affect the stimulated cortical regions, but also those connected to them. Therefore, we will review current human data on possible neurobiological mechanisms of repetitive (r) TMS implicated in the deregulated neurocircuitry present in unipolar depression. Furthermore, as the rTMS application can be considered as a “top-down” neuronal intervention, we will focus on the neuronal pathways linked with the stimulated area and we will present an integrative model of action.
Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Patients with COPD and Health Impact

While depression is a common co-morbid condition among patients with COPD, little is known about predictors or health impact of depression among these patients. To address these gaps in knowledge we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 207 patients with COPD cared for in a network of primary care clinics affiliated with an urban academic health center. A standardized questionnaire was used to measure demographic characteristics, smoking status, co-morbid medical conditions, current medications, self-efficacy, social support, illness intrusiveness, and self-reported health care utilization during the previous 6 months. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale. Overall, the prevalence of moderate to high levels of depressive symptoms was 60.4%. In a multivariate analysis independent predictors of depressive symptoms were being a former smoker (OR = 0.41 (95% CI 0.19–0.89)), higher self-efficacy (OR = 0.42 (0.28–0.64)), higher social support (OR = 0.72 (0.52–0.99)), and higher perceived illness intrusiveness (OR = 1.05 (1.02–1.08)). Depressive symptoms were associated with increased physician visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations for lung disease. In conclusion, depressive symptoms are common among patients with COPD and associated with an increase in healthcare utilization. These findings suggest that the identification of risk factors for depressive symptoms (e.g., continued smoking) may increase detection and improve management of depression and health outcomes among patients with COPD.
Four-year study of rotavirus electropherotypes from cases of infantile diarrhea in Rome

Rotavirus infections were detected in 210 of 675 children with acute diarrhea admitted to a major pediatric hospital in Rome from January 1982 through December 1985. Most of the patients with rotavirus infections were admitted during the winter season in both 1982 and 1985, whereas during the two intermediate years, cases occurred in all months. Among 84 rotavirus samples examined, 14 different electropherotypes were recognized, 2 of which largely predominated over the others. The two electropherotypes were particularly frequent in the 2 epidemic years, altogether accounting for 70.2% of the samples typed, and circulated in distinct periods. None of the viruses showed a short pattern of electrophoretic migration of the genome, indicating a minor involvement of subgroup I rotaviruses in hospitalization-requiring diarrheas occurring in the area surveyed.
Challenges of supply chain finance: A detailed study and a hierarchical model based on the experiences of an Indian firm

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the different challenges that confront supply chain finance (SCF) and to develop a hierarchical model that analyzes the complex relationship dynamics among them.Design/methodology/approach – An extensive survey is carried out amongst Indian firms to ascertain the perceptions and experiences related to different SCF challenges. After obtaining an overview of the different SCF challenges, an Indian company with global operations was approached and after establishing relationships among the challenges, a hierarchical relationship structure was developed and MIMBI analysis (where MI=measure of influencing; MBI=measure of being influenced) was carried out that helped understand the relationship dynamics of SCF challenges and identify actions at both strategic and tactical levels.Findings – The study reveals that lack of common vision among the supply chain (SC) partners is the most critical challenge confronting SCF. Unpredictable cash‐flows resulting from dela.
Effects of CSR, responsible gambling, and negative social impacts on perceived benefits and quality of life in gaming communities

This study investigated (1) the positive effects of a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and responsible gambling (RG) strategies on residents’ perceived benefits and their quality of life (QOL); (2) the effects of residents’ perceived negative social impacts from casino development on their perceived benefits and QOL; and (3) whether these relationships are invariant across two gaming communities. We collected data from 458 residents of two gaming communities in the Gangwon Province of South Korea. The findings showed that economic CSR had the strongest positive impact on residents’ perceived benefits, followed by philanthropic CSR and supplementary RG. These factors also had significant indirect effects on residents’ QOL via perceived benefits. The negative social impacts factor was found to negatively influence residents’ perceived benefits and QOL. These relationships were statistically invariant across the two gaming communities. The current study offers a legitimacy and stakeholder theory-driven approach to examine CSR, gaming communities’ perceived negative social impacts and benefits from casino development, and QOL.
An Investigation of Cervical Spinal Posture in Cervicogenic Headache

Background Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is defined as headache symptoms originating from the cervical spine. Cervical dysfunction from abnormal posture has been proposed to aggravate or cause CGH, but there are conflicting reports as to whether there is an association between posture and CGH. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in cervical spinal posture, measured on radiographs, between patients with probable CGH and asymptomatic control participants. Design A single-blinded comparative measurement design was used. Methods Differences in postural variables from radiographs between participants with CGH (n=30) and age- and sex-matched asymptomatic control participants (n=30) were determined using paired t tests or the nonparametric equivalent. Postural variables were general cervical lordosis (GCL, Cobb angle C2–C7), upper cervical lordosis (UCL, sagittal alignment C2 compared with C3–C4), and C2 spinous process horizontal deviation. Logistic regression determined postural variables, increasing the likelihood of CGH. Results There were no significant differences in posture between the CGH and control groups. The mean GCL was 10.97 degrees (SD=7.50) for the CGH group and 7.17 degrees (SD=5.69) for the control group. The mean UCL was 11.86 degrees (SD=6.46) for the CGH group and 9.44 degrees (SD=4.28) for the control group. The mean C2 spinous process horizontal deviation was 3.00 mm (SD=1.66) for the CGH group and 2.86 mm (SD=2.04) for the control group. However, there was a significant association between greater GCL and an increased likelihood of having CGH (odds ratio=1.08; 95% confidence interval=1.001, 1.191). Limitations The findings are limited to an association between GCL and posture, as cause and effect cannot be determined. Conclusions The association between greater GCL and increased likelihood of having CGH suggests that GCL might be considered in the treatment of patients with CGH. However, as the data do not support posture as a cause of CGH, it is unknown whether addressing posture would reduce CGH.
A Latent Class Analysis of DSM-III-R Pathological Gambling Criteria in Middle-Aged Men: Association with Psychiatric Disorders

Purpose:This study was designed to empirically derive latent classes based on PG criteria and to assess the association between nongambling psychiatric disorders and specific classes. Methods:A total of 8138 community-based middle-aged men were surveyed, and 2720 were assessed for Diagnostic Interview Schedule, Version 3, Revised (DIS-III-R) pathologic gambling (PG). Latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version 3, Revised (DSM-III-R) criteria to identify gambling classes. &khgr;2 and logistic regression models evaluated the association between gambling classes and lifetime psychiatric disorders. Results:The final model included 4 classes: class 0 (ie, 5418 individuals who never gambled 25 or more times per year) and classes 1–3 (identified by the LCA and comprising 2720 respondents assessed for PG). For the 9 individual criteria of PG, endorsement percentages ranged from 2%–6%, 4%–58%, and 53%–100% for classes 1–3, respectively. Nongambling psychiatric disorders were differentially associated with the 4 gambling classes, and psychopathology was more common in groups more frequently acknowledging PG criteria. Conclusions:Empirical support is provided for distinct classes of gambling behaviors demonstrating differential associations with individual PG criteria and nongambling psychiatric disorders. The data-driven categorization of gambling behaviors provides direction for research on defining, preventing, and treating syndromal and subsyndromal PG.
Structures of the Substrate-free and Product-bound Forms of HmuO, a Heme Oxygenase from Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Background: Heme oxygenase (HO) converts heme to biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and Fe2+. Results: HO crystal structures were determined for substrate-free Fe3+-biliverdin and biliverdin forms, as well as intermediates of the last two. Conclusion: HO reaction center is built with substrate-induced conformational changes, and Fe2+ is released without major structural changes. Significance: Elucidation of these HO structures is fundamental for understanding its enzyme mechanism. Heme oxygenase catalyzes the degradation of heme to biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide. Here, we present crystal structures of the substrate-free, Fe3+-biliverdin-bound, and biliverdin-bound forms of HmuO, a heme oxygenase from Corynebacterium diphtheriae, refined to 1.80, 1.90, and 1.85 Å resolution, respectively. In the substrate-free structure, the proximal and distal helices, which tightly bracket the substrate heme in the substrate-bound heme complex, move apart, and the proximal helix is partially unwound. These features are supported by the molecular dynamic simulations. The structure implies that the heme binding fixes the enzyme active site structure, including the water hydrogen bond network critical for heme degradation. The biliverdin groups assume the helical conformation and are located in the heme pocket in the crystal structures of the Fe3+-biliverdin-bound and the biliverdin-bound HmuO, prepared by in situ heme oxygenase reaction from the heme complex crystals. The proximal His serves as the Fe3+-biliverdin axial ligand in the former complex and forms a hydrogen bond through a bridging water molecule with the biliverdin pyrrole nitrogen atoms in the latter complex. In both structures, salt bridges between one of the biliverdin propionate groups and the Arg and Lys residues further stabilize biliverdin at the HmuO heme pocket. Additionally, the crystal structure of a mixture of two intermediates between the Fe3+-biliverdin and biliverdin complexes has been determined at 1.70 Å resolution, implying a possible route for iron exit.
Paths to Convergence: Stock Price Adjustment After the Trump Election Shock

How do market prices adjust towards stability after a shock? Tracking individual stock prices following their dramatic shakeup after Donald Trump’s surprise election provides an answer. Prices moved overwhelmingly in the appropriate direction on the first post-election day, albeit much too little. Relative prices needed several daily iterations to converge. Three days of historically strong cross-sectional momentum were followed by a brief reversal. Prices then settled. Firm characteristics that explained first-day returns, such as corporate taxes and foreign revenues, accounted for most of the observed momentum. These findings support prominent theories of slow but predictable diffusion of information into prices.
Power paradox: how the extension of US infrastructural power abroad diminishes state capacity at home

Abstract The concept of infrastructural power is arguably one of the most useful in the social sciences. It has helped both to illuminate the extraordinary capacity, reach, and impact of the modern state vis-à-vis its pre-industrial predecessor, and to cast light on why some modern states appear more able than others to execute their decisions and pursue their ambitions. Although sometimes mischaracterized as a ‘weak’ state, the capacity of the state centered on Washington to penetrate social space and implement its decisions, both at home and abroad, has long been recognized. But under what conditions might its infrastructural power diminish? Arguably, US economic power is now stronger than ever, ostensibly bolstered by being home to the world’s most globalized and most profitable companies. However, while globalized production has strengthened US corporations – especially those rich in intellectual property – its contradictory consequences for the state’s infrastructural power deserve close examination. This paper takes a first step in that direction by appraising the extent to which the state’s domestic capacities have been weakened by Washington’s internationalization of intellectual property rights. It also offers a reconceptualization of US power.
Lytic Activity of the Vibrio cholerae Type VI Secretion Toxin VgrG-3 Is Inhibited by the Antitoxin TsaB*

Background: The type VI secretion system provides Gram-negative bacteria with a competitive advantage. Results: The V. cholerae T6SS component VgrG-3 has lysozyme-like activity that is inhibited by the product of the downstream gene tsaB. Conclusion: VgrG-3 and TsaB are a toxin-antitoxin complex of the V. cholerae T6SS. Significance: A T6SS effector is characterized along with its cognate antitoxin. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) of Gram-negative bacteria has been implicated in microbial competition; however, which components serve purely structural roles, and which serve as toxic effectors remains unresolved. Here, we present evidence that VgrG-3 of the Vibrio cholerae T6SS has both structural and toxin activity. Specifically, we demonstrate that the C-terminal extension of VgrG-3 acts to degrade peptidoglycan and hypothesize that this assists in the delivery of accessory T6SS toxins of V. cholerae. To avoid self-intoxication, V. cholerae expresses an anti-toxin encoded immediately downstream of vgrG-3 that inhibits VgrG-3-mediated lysis through direct interaction.
Collagen and Aggrecan Degradation Is Blocked in Interleukin-1-Treated Cartilage Explants by an Inhibitor of IκB Kinase through Suppression of Metalloproteinase Expression

It has previously been shown that BMS-345541 [4(2′-aminoethyl)amino-1,8-dimethylimidazo(1,2-a)quinoxaline], a highly-selective inhibitor of IκB kinase (IKK), blocks both inflammation and joint destruction in murine collagen-induced arthritis. Although this agent has been shown to inhibit nuclear factor-κB-dependent cytokine expression in mice, we examined whether the inhibitor directly inhibits cytokine-driven metalloproteinase expression and cartilage degradation. In SW-1353 human chondrosarcoma cells, BMS-345541 inhibited interleukin-1 (IL-1)-dependent expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 in a concentration-dependent manner. IL-1 treatment failed to induce and BMS-345541 did not inhibit the expression of aggrecanases ADAMTS-4 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain with thrombospondin motif) and ADAMTS-5, as well as the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3. In bovine cartilage explant cultures stimulated with IL-1 to induce aggrecan and collagen degradation over 3 weeks of culture, BMS-345541 was effective in inhibiting the degradation of both aggrecan and collagen. Secreted ADAMTS-4 was not inhibited by BMS-345541 in these explants, whereas ADAMTS-5 secretion was blocked in the same concentration range that inhibited aggrecan degradation. The ability of the IKK inhibitor to block aggrecan and collagen degradation through suppression of metalloproteinase expression, coupled with its ability to block inflammatory cytokine production, shows IKK to be a promising target for the development of novel agents to treat arthritic diseases.
Respiratory self‐gating for free‐breathing magnetization transfer MRI of the abdomen

Magnetization transfer (MT) MRI can be effective for the diagnosis of a broad range of fibrotic diseases, including liver fibrosis. However, respiratory motion, a major source of artifacts in thoracic and abdominal MR imaging, can obscure important anatomic structures, making diagnosis difficult. In this study, we explored the potential to combine free‐breathing (FB) respiratory self‐gating (RSG) methods with MT saturation for FB MT ratio (MTR) measurements of abdominal organs.
The systemic marginalisation of Muslim Australian voices: to what extent can Deliberative Democratic theory provide a response?

Muslim communities in Australia are currently facing a number of political and social challenges. One major challenge is the widespread perception that the Australian government’s policy and political discourse concerning terrorism actually targets Muslims. In addition, of all minority groups, Muslim Australians have been disproportionately subjected to psychological and physical hostility by non-Muslim Australians. Compounding these challenges is the lack of genuine public platforms for Muslims to contribute to political discourse, policy-making, and public debate in areas that directly affect them; Muslim Australians are often spoken for and about, but rarely spoken directly to. I argue that these political and social challenges are not and cannot be publicly expressed because of the systemic marginalisation of Muslim Australian voices. Muslim Australian opinions can be ignored, discredited, criticised, and/or publicly deemed “un-Australian” if they are not in accordance with the commonly held attitudes of the government and mainstream society. This thesis critically examines if and how varying interpretations of deliberative democratic theory can be used as a response to the marginalisation of Muslim voices. Through a new configuration of existing critical models applied to a set of normative deliberative principles, I offer a toolkit for deliberation that could increase the influence of Muslim voices in Australian society. My research provides an important contribution to the current literature in that while the impact of government policy and public hostility on Muslim Australians has been the subject of frequent scholarly analysis, there has been much less emphasis placed on designing a comprehensive critical response strategy using widely known and accessible democratic
The Influenza A Virus NS1 Protein Interacts with the Nucleoprotein of Viral Ribonucleoprotein Complexes

ABSTRACT The influenza A virus genome consists of eight RNA segments that associate with the viral polymerase proteins (PB1, PB2, and PA) and nucleoprotein (NP) to form ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). The viral NS1 protein was previously shown to associate with these complexes, although it was not clear which RNP component mediated the interaction. Using individual TAP (tandem affinity purification)-tagged PB1, PB2, PA, and NP, we demonstrated that the NS1 protein interacts specifically with NP and not the polymerase subunits. The region of NS1 that binds NP was mapped to the RNA-binding domain.
SiC JFET cascode loss dependency on the MOSFET output capacitance and performance comparison with Trench IGBTs

In power electronics there is a general trend to increase converters efficiencies and power densities; for this reason new power semiconductors based on materials such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) are becoming more popular. This is especially valid for renewable energies applications where the generated energy has a higher cost than with conventional energy sources. This paper proposes an experimental analysis of the switching performance of a high voltage SiC JFET connected in cascade connection with a low voltage MOSFET. The analysis focuses on the influence of the MOSFET output capacitance on the switching performance of the SiC Cascode connection in terms of switching energy loss, dV/dt and dI/dt stresses. The Cascode connection switching performances are compared with the switching performance latest Trench IGBTs. The analysis is based on a set of several laboratory measurements and data post-processing in order to properly characterize the devices and quantify whether the SiC JFET Cascode connection can provide good performances with a simple MOSFET gate driver.