Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of Listeria monocytogenes Serovars by Using Artificial Neural Network Analysis of Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectra

ABSTRACT A classification system based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with artificial neural network analysis was designed to differentiate 12 serovars of Listeria monocytogenes using a reference database of 106 well-defined strains. External validation was performed using a test set of another 166 L. monocytogenes strains. The O antigens (serogroup) of 164 strains (98.8%) could be identified correctly, and H antigens were correctly determined in 152 (91.6%) of the test strains. Importantly, 40 out of 41 potentially epidemic serovar 4b strains were unambiguously identified. FTIR analysis is superior to PCR-based systems for serovar differentiation and has potential for the rapid, simultaneous identification of both species and serovar of an unknown Listeria isolate by simply measuring a whole-cell infrared spectrum.
PRENATAL TREATMENT OF FETAL HYPOTHYROIDISM: IS THERE MORE THAN ONE OPTION?

Following the diagnosis of fetal goitre at 22 and 24 weeks' gestation in two hyperthyroid pregnant women who underwent treatment with 400–500 mg of propylthiouracil in the first weeks of pregnancy, a total of seven fetal blood samplings were performed to evaluate thyroid function before and after the initiation of two different treatment regimens. l‐Thyroxine (600 μg) was injected five times intra‐amniotically in one woman and continuous maternal administration of the thyroid analogue 3,5,3′‐triiodothyroacetic acid (Triac) was attempted in the other. Normalization of fetal thyroid function and reduction of fetal goitre were achieved in both fetuses and transplacental passage of Triac was indirectly demonstrated by high levels of free triiodothyronine in fetal blood. In cases of fetal hypothyroidism, direct or indirect prenatal therapy can be adopted successfully and safely.
Plasmapheresis in Rasmussen's encephalitis

Article abstract-Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is a progressive childhood disorder characterized by intractable focal seizures, hemiplegia, dementia, and inflammatory histopathology. The process is typically limited to one cerebral hemisphere. We report four patients with pathologically confirmed RE who were treated with repeated plasmapheresis. Three patients exhibited repeated, dramatic, transient responses to plasmapheresis, manifested by reduced seizure frequency and improved neurologic function. One patient exhibited marginal improvement after treatment with plasmapheresis. These observations indicate that circulating factors, likely autoantibodies, are pathogenic in at least some patients with RE and suggest that RE is an autoimmune disease. Plasmapheresis may be a useful adjunctive therapy in RE, specifically for treatment of patients with acute deteriorations such as status epilepticus, and can also aid in assessment of residual function in the diseased hemisphere before surgical resection. NEUROLOGY 1996;46: 242-246
Mitochondria in the etiology and pathogenesis of parkinson's disease

Mitochondria play a critical role in cellular energy metabolism. The identification of a respiratory chain defect in Parkinson's disease (PD) provides not only a direct link with toxin models of parkinsonism but also insight into the mechanisms involved in etiology and pathogenesis. The presence of the complex I deficiency in PD substantia nigra and platelets suggests the involvement of a systemic cause. Genomic transplantation studies have been undertaken that involve the transfer to a novel nuclear background of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from PD patients with a complex I defect, followed by both mixed and clonal expansion of the resulting cybrids. The mixed cybrids with the PD mtDNA expressed the complex I defect present in the original PD donor platelets. Clonal expansion of one such mixed cybrid culture produced a spectrum of clones with complex I and complex IV activities, ranging from severe deficiency to normal range, a pattern typical of a heteroplasmic mtDNA mutation. Histochemical, immunohistochemical, and functional assessments of ΔψM all showed a pattern in the PD clones typical of that produced by a mtDNA mutation. Patients with focal dystonia and a platelet complex I defect were used as disease controls for the cybrid studies. The mitochondrial abnormality was eradicated by transfer of dystonia mtDNA to a control nuclear background in both mixed and clonal cybrids, with no evidence of clonal heterogeneity. These results help to validate our findings in the PD patients and suggest that the complex I deficiency in dystonia is not due to an abnormality of mtDNA. We hypothesize that the mtDNA defect alone may be the cause of PD in a proportion of patients and may contribute to pathogenesis in others. Identification of the mtDNA genotype responsible for PD may allow the testing of neuroprotective strategies in appropriate patients.
Potential Social and Neurocognitive Benefits of Aerobic Exercise as Adjunct Treatment for Patients With ADHD

Objective: The aim of the article is to review the evidence that aerobic exercise may be a useful adjunct treatment for ADHD. Method: Studies on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of aerobic exercise that are relevant to ADHD are reviewed and evaluated. Results: Stimulant medication, the main pharmacotherapy for ADHD, and aerobic exercise both act on catecholamine pathways. Aerobic exercise has been shown to be beneficial in preclinical studies on spontaneous hypertensive rats, an animal model of ADHD, and in clinical trials of children with ADHD, as an adjunct treatment to medication. Social and neurocognitive function in children and adults seem to be positively affected by exercise as well. Nevertheless, no controlled clinical trials in adults with ADHD have been conducted. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise may be a useful non-medication adjunct therapy for ADHD. The clinical effectiveness of aerobic exercise for ADHD in children and adults warrants further clinical studies.
Defect Passivation With Fluorine and Interface Engineering for Hf-Based High- $k$/Metal Gate Stack Device Reliability and Performance Enhancement

Using a fluorinated high-fc/metal gate stack combined with a stress relieved preoxide (SRPO) pretreatment before high-fc deposition, we show significant device reliability and performance improvements. This is a critical result since threshold voltage instability may be a fundamental problem, and performance degradation for high-fc is a concern. The novel fluorinated TaxCy/HfZrOx/SRPO gate stack device exceeds the positive-bias-temperature-instability and negative-bias-temperature-instability targets with sufficient margin and has electron mobility at 1 MV/cm comparable to the industrial high-quality polySi/SiON device on bulk silicon.
Localized juvenile periodontitis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in a Brazilian population.

Localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) has been used as a model for studying periodontal disease, and its prevalence is considered to be higher in third-world countries (0.3-8%) than in industrialized countries (0.1%). Mostly, the disease has been associated with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) but lack of association has also been reported. The aim of this study was to identify LJP patients in geographically different Brazilian populations and assess the presence of A.a. in their periodontal lesions. 7843 children, 12-19-years of age, from the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Votorantim and Belo Horizonte were screened, and LJP patients were identified by strict clinical and radiographical criteria. A final LJP prevalence of 0.3%, with a 99% confidence interval between 0.16% to 0.47%, was found. The prevalence in the subpopulations varied between 0.1-1.1% in the different areas. Subgingival bacterial samples were obtained from the oral cavity of 25 patients and their family members. 80% of these patients, 39.5% of their family members, 35.3% of their parents, and 43.9% of all siblings were culture positive for A.a. All but one of the families had at least one member in addition to the patient who was culture positive for A.a. In 3 families, > 1 member showed radiographic and clinical signs of LJP. 30% of non-LJP subjects coming from one of the areas with higher LJP prevalence harbored A.a. We conclude that LJP is highly associated with A.a. in this Brazilian population.
Asna1/TRC40-mediated membrane insertion of tail-anchored proteins

Tail-anchored (TA) proteins insert post-translationally into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and span the membrane by their C-terminal transmembrane domain. We have reconstituted membrane insertion of TA proteins from recombinant Asna1/TA protein complexes and ER-derived membranes. Our data show that Asna1 can mediate membrane insertion of RAMP4 and Sec61β without the participation of other cytosolic proteins by a mechanism that depends on the presence of ATP or ADP and a protease-sensitive receptor in the ER membrane. By contrast, membrane insertion of cytochrome b5 can proceed independently of Asna1 and nucleotides.
Predicting Word-Naming and Lexical Decision Times from a Semantic Space Model

We propose a method to derive predictions for single-word retrieval times from a semantic space model trained on text corpora. In Experiment 1 we present a large corpus analysis demonstrating that it is the number of unique semantic contexts a word appears in across language, rather than simply the number of contexts or the frequency of the word, that is the most salient predictor of lexical decision and naming times. In Experiment 2, we develop a co-occurrence learning model that weights new contextual uses of a word based on fit to what currently exists in the word’s memory representation, and demonstrate this model’s superiority in fitting the human data compared to models built using information about the word’s frequency or number of contexts. Finally, in Experiment 3 we find that building lexical representations using semantic distinctiveness naturally produces a better-organized semantic space to make predictions for semantic similarity between words.
Identification of Cathepsin B as a Mediator of Neuronal Death Induced by Aβ-activated Microglial Cells Using a Functional Genomics Approach*

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites, and reactive glial cells. Activated microglia are found to be intimately associated with senile plaques and may play a central role in mediating chronic inflammatory conditions in Alzheimer's disease. Activation of cultured murine microglial BV2 cells by freshly sonicated Aβ42 results in the secretion of neurotoxic factors that kill primary cultured neurons. To understand molecular pathways underlying Aβ-induced microglial activation, we analyzed the expression levels of transcripts isolated from Aβ42-activated BV2 cells using high density filter arrays. The analysis of these arrays identified 554 genes that are transcriptionally up-regulated by Aβ42 in a statistically significant manner. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was used to confirm the regulation of a subset of genes, including cysteine proteases cathepsin B and cathepsin L, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2, cytochrome c oxidase, and allograft inflammatory factor 1. Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of the cathepsin B gene in Aβ-activated BV2 cells diminished the microglial activation-mediated neurotoxicity. Moreover, CA-074, a specific cathepsin B inhibitor, also abolished the neurotoxic effects caused by Aβ42-activated BV2 cells. Our results suggest an essential role for secreted cathepsin B in neuronal death mediated by Aβ-activated inflammatory response.
Bank Capital and Financial Stability: An Economic Trade-Off or a Faustian Bargain?

Financial crises impose large and persistent social costs, making banking stability important. This article reviews the central issues surrounding the role bank capital plays in financial stability. Because the socially efficient capital level may exceed banks’ privately optimal capital levels, regulatory capital requirements become germane. But such requirements may entail various bank-level and social costs. Thus, despite agreement that higher capital would enhance banking stability, recognition of these costs has generated theoretical disagreement over whether capital requirements should be higher. Empirical evidence reveals that, in the cross section of banks, higher capital is associated with higher lending, higher liquidity creation, higher bank values, and higher probabilities of surviving crises. Moreover, increases in capital requirements are met with modest declines in lending. The overarching message from research is that lower capital in banking leads to higher systemic risk and a higher probability of a government-funded bailout that may elevate government debt and trigger a sovereign debt crisis. Thus, capital regulation reform, as well as tax policy, should seek to increase bank capital. This article discusses the contemporary thinking on these issues and concludes with open research questions.
Matrix-product constructions for self-orthogonal linear codes

Self-orthogonal codes form an important class of linear codes due to their rich algebraic structures and wide applications. In this paper, the well-known matrix-product construction for linear codes is applied to construct self-orthogonal codes. Necessary conditions on input codes and matrices for constructing self-orthogonal matrix-product codes are given as well as some illustrative examples.
Students negotiating and designing their collaborative learning norms: a group developmental perspective in learning communities

This research shows how participants in classroom learning communities (LCs) come to take responsibility over designing their collaborative learning norms. Taking a micro-developmental perspective within a graduate-level course, we examined fine-grained changes in group discourse during a period of rapid change where this responsibility taking occurs, which we frame as the transition between the storming and norming stages of group development. Our findings indicate that this transition was based upon three sub-stages that included (a) recognition of a group crisis; (b) acceptance of responsibility; and (c) increased meaningfulness of norms. As an outcome of this transition, LC members took responsibility over negotiating and designing their collaborative norms as authority moved from moderators to students. We discuss the theoretical and practical contributions of this research on group development and LCs, as well as limitations and next steps for research.
Banathy's Influence on the Guidance System for Transforming Education

INTRODUCTIONThis article is a tribute to the work of Bela H. Banathy. We identify how Banathyhas influenced our work on systemic change in education. For Banathy (1996) thecrux of systemic change is found in systems design, which is a process that engagesstakeholders in conversations on their visions, ideals, values, and aspirations with
Effects of a putty-form hydroxyapatite matrix combined with the synthetic cell-binding peptide P-15 on alveolar ridge preservation.

BACKGROUND Various grafting materials have been used for preservation of the dimensions of the residual alveolar ridge following tooth extraction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical, histomorphometric, and radiographic healing 4 months after tooth extraction with or without placement of a putty-form anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix combined with a synthetic cell-binding peptide P-15 (Putty P15) to determine the effect on alveolar ridge preservation following exodontia. METHODS Twenty-four consecutive subjects in need of extraction of maxillary premolars were recruited. Recruited subjects were randomly assigned to the test (Putty P15 and bioabsorbable collagen wound dressing material) or control (bioabsorbable collagen wound dressing material only) group. Data were recorded at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks after ridge preservation procedures. At 16 weeks, a reentry surgery was performed, clinical measurements were repeated, and bone core biopsies were obtained for histomorphometric analysis prior to dental implant placement. RESULTS The control group had a mean reduction in ridge height of -0.56 +/- 1.04 mm, whereas alveolar ridge height appeared to remain unchanged in the test group (0.15 +/- 1.76). The test group showed a mean reduction in ridge width of -1.31 +/- 0.96 mm, whereas the mean value for the control group was -1.43 +/- 1.05 mm. No statistical significance was observed between the groups. Mean bone density was significantly superior in the test group (2.08 +/- 0.65 versus 3.33 +/- 0.65). Histomorphometric analyses revealed similar percentages of bone vitality (test: 29.92% +/- 8.46%; control: 36.54% +/- 7.73%). Comparable percentages of bone marrow and fibrous tissue also were observed (test: 65.25% +/- 6.41%; control: 62.67% +/- 7.41%). Only 6.25% of the Putty P15 particles remained at 4 months in the analyzed biopsies. CONCLUSION A favorable response was observed when Putty P15 was applied to extraction sockets, suggesting that it may be useful for alveolar ridge preservation prior to dental implant placement.
Neurotransmitter release in motor nerve terminals of a mouse model of mild spinal muscular atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease which severity depends on the amount of SMN protein, the product of the genes SMN1 and SMN2. Symptomatology goes from severe neuromuscular impairment leading to early death in infants to slow progressing motor deficits during adulthood. Much of the knowledge about the pathophysiology of SMA comes from studies using genetically engineered animal models of the disease. Here we investigated one of the milder models, the homozygous A2G SMA mice, in which the level of the protein is restored to almost normal levels by the addition of a mutated transgene to the severe SMN‐deficient background. We examined neuromuscular function and found that calcium‐dependent neurotransmitter release was significantly decreased. In addition, the amplitude of spontaneous endplate potentials was decreased, the morphology of NMJ altered, and slight changes in short‐term synaptic plasticity were found. In spite of these defects, excitation contraction coupling was well preserved, possibly due to the safety factor of this synapse. These data further support that the quasi‐normal restoration of SMN levels in severe cases preserves neuromuscular function, even when neurotransmitter release is significantly decreased at motor nerve terminals. Nevertheless, this deficit could represent a greater risk of motor impairment during aging or after injuries.
Exploiting Caching and Multicast for 5G Wireless Networks

The landscape toward 5G wireless communication is currently unclear, and, despite the efforts of academia and industry in evolving traditional cellular networks, the enabling technology for 5G is still obscure. This paper puts forward a network paradigm toward next-generation cellular networks, targeting to satisfy the explosive demand for mobile data while minimizing energy expenditures. The paradigm builds on two principles; namely caching and multicast. On one hand, caching policies disperse popular content files at the wireless edge, e.g., pico-cells and femto-cells, hence shortening the distance between content and requester. On other hand, due to the broadcast nature of wireless medium, requests for identical files occurring at nearby times are aggregated and served through a common multicast stream. To better exploit the available cache space, caching policies are optimized based on multicast transmissions. We show that the multicast-aware caching problem is NP-hard and develop solutions with performance guarantees using randomized-rounding techniques. Trace-driven numerical results show that in the presence of massive demand for delay tolerant content, combining caching and multicast can indeed reduce energy costs. The gains over existing caching schemes are 19% when users tolerate delay of three minutes, increasing further with the steepness of content access pattern.
Evaluation of Model Parameter Convergence when Using Data Assimilation for Soil Moisture Estimation

Data assimilation (DA) methods are commonly used for finding a compromise between imperfect observations and uncertain model predictions. The estimation of model states and parameters has been widely recognized, but the convergence of estimated parameters has not been thoroughly investigated. The distribution of model state and parameter values is closely linked to convergence, which in turn impacts the ultimate estimation accuracy of DA methods. This demonstration study examines the robustness and convergence of model parameters for the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and the evolutionary data assimilation (EDA) in the context of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) soil moisture assimilation into the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator in the Yanco area in southeast Australia. The results show high soil moisture estimation accuracy for the EnKF and EDA methods when compared with the open loop estimates during evaluation and validation stages. The level of convergence was quantified for each model parameter in the EDA approach to illustrate its potential in the retrieval of variables that were not directly observed. The EDA was found to have a higher estimation accuracy than the EnKF when its updated members were evaluated against the SMOS level 2 soil moisture. However, the EnKF and EDA estimations are comparable when their forward soil moisture estimates were validated against SMOS soil moisture outside the assimilation time period. This suggests that parameter convergence does not significantly influence soil moisture estimation accuracy for the EnKF. However, the EDA has the advantage of simultaneously determining the convergence of model parameters while providing comparably higher accuracy for soil moisture estimates.
First Association of Interleukin 12 Receptor Beta 1 Deficiency with Sjögren’s Syndrome

Introduction Interleukin 12 receptor beta 1 (IL12Rβ1) deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency resulting mainly in susceptibility to opportunistic infection by non-tuberculous, environmental mycobacteria and severe infection caused by Salmonella spp. Till now, less than 300 patients with IL12Rβ1 deficiency have been reported. Among them, only three have been described to develop autoimmunity. Case presentation We present the case of a 50-year-old male with IL12Rβ1 deficiency due to compound heterozygosity [c. 1623_1624delGCinsTT (pGln542Stop) and c.1791 + 2T > C (donor splice site)], who—18 months after diagnosis of disseminated BCGitis—presented with recurrent fever and sicca syndrome. No indication of an infectious origin of these symptoms could be found at that point. The diagnosis of a Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) was made on the basis of fulfilled American-European consensus classification criteria, including a positive minor salivary gland biopsy. Conclusion Apart from persistent antigenic stimulation, which may drive autoimmune inflammation in primary immunodeficiency, evidence on the involvement of interleukin 12 in pathogenesis of SS suggests that the same immunological mechanism may underlie both defense against infection and the maintenance of tolerance. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of autoimmunity in the form of SS in a patient with a primary immunodeficiency and one of the rare cases of IL12Rβ1 deficiency with manifested autoimmunity.