Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Primate frontal eye field activity during natural scanning eye movements.

1. As we scan an image, saccadic eye movements direct our vision to features that attract our attention. Although it is likely that the frontal eye field (FEF) cortex is an important component of the system generating those movements, most studies of FEF neuronal activity have relied upon visuomotor tasks where the experimental subjects are constrained to look from one spot of light to another. In this study, single-unit activity was recorded in the FEF while monkeys freely scanned a variety of projected images, and that activity was compared with activity evoked during conventional visuomotor tasks. 2. FEF neurons with visual activity in conventional tasks increased their activity during scanning when a portion of the image within their receptive field was targeted for the next saccade, but decreased their activity when a target was chosen outside of the receptive field. 3. FEF neurons with movement-related activity during conventional tasks were also active in association with saccades made during scanning. 4. Visual and movement activity were also studied by creating a task that approximated the conditions during the scanning paradigm (rescan task). This was done by superimposing a moveable spot of light onto the image that had been scanned, and rewarding the monkey for following the light as it recreated the original scan's spatial and temporal pattern of eye fixations. In contrast to the visual activity of neurons during the scanning paradigm, visual activity during the rescan task was unaffected by portions of the image within the cell's receptive field, but increased in response to the appearance of the target light. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Proteomic analysis of slow‐ and fast‐twitch skeletal muscles

Skeletal muscles are composed of slow‐ and fast‐twitch muscle fibers, which have high potential in aerobic and anaerobic ATP production, respectively. To investigate the molecular basis of the difference in their functions, we examined protein profiles of skeletal muscles using sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis with pH 4–7 and 6–11 isoelectric focusing gels. A comparison between rat soleus and extensol digitorum longus (EDL) muscles that are predominantly slow‐ and fast‐twitch fibers, respectively, showed that the EDL muscle had higher levels of glycogen phosphorylase, most glycolytic enzymes, glycerol 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase; while the soleus muscle had higher levels of myoglobin, TCA cycle enzymes, electron transfer flavoprotein, and carbonic anhydrase III. The two muscles also expressed different isoforms of contractile proteins including myosin heavy and light chains. These protein patterns were further compared with those of red and white gastrochnemius as well as red and white quadriceps muscles. It was found that metabolic enzymes showed a concerted regulation dependent on muscle fiber types. On the other hand, expression of contractile proteins seemed to be independent of the metabolic characteristics of muscle fibers. These results suggest that metabolic enzymes and contractile proteins show different expression patterns in skeletal muscles.
What Goes Up May Not Come Down: Asymmetric Incidence of Value-Added Taxes

This paper provides evidence that prices respond significantly more strongly to increases than to decreases in value-added taxes (VATs). First, using two plausibly exogenous VAT changes, we show that prices respond twice as much to VAT increases as to VAT decreases. Second, we show that this asymmetry results in higher equilibrium profits and markups. Third, we find that firms operating with low profit margins are particularly likely to respond asymmetrically to VAT changes. Fourth, these asymmetric price effects persist several years after VAT changes take place. Fifth, using all VAT changes in the European Union from 1996 to 2015, we find similar levels of asymmetry.
Alcohol drinking patterns and work areas: epidemiological study of factory and rural workers in Florence, Italy.

Summary Two epidemiological studies have been recently carried out in Florence and the surrounding area in Italy, to lest a hypothesis that work conditions affect alcohol drinking patterns. This hypothesis is based both on available health statistics and on a previous epidemiological study carried out in the same area in the late 1970's. Two hundred and fourteen factory employees and 184 agricultural workers were interviewed using a questionnaire that addresses socio-demographic characteristics, psychological and social aspects, and alcohol drinking patterns. The main results include: average per capita per day anhydrous alcohol consumption is 34.9g among factory employees, and 87.9 among agricultural workers. Wine is the most common alcoholic beverage, and it is drunk essentially together with other people. In the factory, workmen drink significantly more than clerks. There is a drinking culture that is more rooted in the country than in urban areas. No other significant relationship was found between drinking pattern and work features.
Characterization of the Solution Complex between the Interferon-induced, Double-stranded RNA-activated Protein Kinase and HIV-I Trans-activating Region RNA*

The antiviral activity of the interferon-induced, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated protein kinase (PKR) is mediated through dsRNA binding leading to PKR autophosphorylation and subsequent inhibition of protein synthesis. Previous biochemical studies have suggested that autophosphorylation of PKR occurs via a protein-protein interaction and that PKR can form dimers in vitro Using four independent biophysical and biochemical methods, we have characterized the solution complex formed between PKR and trans-activating region (TAR) RNA, a 57-nucleotide RNA species with double-stranded secondary structure derived from the human immunodeficiency virus type I genome. Chemical cross-linking and gel filtration analyses of PKR·TAR RNA complexes reveals that TAR RNA addition increases PKR dimerization and results in the formation of a solution complex with a molecular weight of approximately 150,000. Addition of TAR RNA to PKR results in a quenching of tryptophan fluorescence, indicative of a conformational shift. Through small angle neutron scattering analysis, we show that PKR exists in solution predominantly as a dimer, and has an elongated solution structure. Addition of TAR RNA to PKR causes a significant conformational shift in the protein at a 2:1 stoichiometric ratio of protein to RNA. Taken together, these data indicate that the PKR activation complex consists of a protein dimer bound cooperatively to one dsRNA molecule.
In vitro oxime reactivation of red blood cell acetylcholinesterase inhibited by methyl‐paraoxon

Oximes are cholinesterase reactivators of use in poisoning with organophosphorus ester enzyme inhibitors. Pralidoxime (PRX) is the oxime used in the United States. Clinical experience with pralidoxime (and other oximes) is disappointing and the routine use has been questioned. Furthermore oximes are not equally effective against all existent enzyme inhibitors. There is a clear demand for ‘broad spectrum’ cholinesterase reactivators with a higher efficacy than those clinically available. To meet this need over the years new reactivators of cholinesterase of potential clinical utility have been developed.
The Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome gene encodes an RNA-binding protein that localizes to the pseudopod of Dictyostelium amoebae during chemotaxis

The Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome (SBDS) is an autosomal disorder with multisystem defects. The Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome gene (SBDS), which contains mutations in a majority of SBDS patients, encodes a protein of unknown function, although it has been strongly implicated in RNA metabolism. There is also some evidence that it interacts with molecules that regulate cytoskeletal organization. Recently, it has been demonstrated by computer-assisted methods that the single behavioral defect of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) of SBDS patients is the incapacity to orient correctly in a spatial gradient of chemoattractant. We considered using the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, a model for PMN chemotaxis, an excellent system for elucidating the function of the SBDS protein. We first identified the homolog of SBDS in D. discoideum and found that the amino acids that are altered in human disease were conserved. Given that several proteins involved in chemotactic orientation localize to the pseudopods of cells undergoing chemotaxis, we tested whether the SBDS gene product did the same. We produced an SBDS-GFP chimeric in-frame fusion gene, and generated transformants either with multiple ectopic insertions of the fusion gene or multiple copies of a non-integrated plasmid carrying the fusion gene. In both cases, the SBDS-GFP protein was dispersed equally through the cytoplasm and pseudopods of cells migrating in buffer. However, we observed differential enrichment of SBDS in the pseudopods of cells treated with the chemoattractant cAMP, suggesting that the SBDS protein may play a role in chemotaxis. In light of these results, we discuss how SBDS might function during chemotaxis.
Nutrition status of patients with chronic hepatitis B or C.

OBJECTIVE Nutrition disorders in patients with chronic liver disease have become a recent concern because these disorders influence outcomes. We investigated patients' nutrition status, included consecutively in the last 2 years to the study, and related the results with the severity of liver disease. METHODS A total of 230 patients with hepatitis B (n = 80) or C (n = 150) were evaluated by the subjective global assessment (SGA) and body mass index (BMI). The risk of metabolic complications was assessed by waist circumference (WC) and the percentage of body fat (%BF). Alcohol abuse was defined as daily consumption >20 g and >30 g for women and men, respectively. RESULTS The mean age was 54 years, with 52.6% women, 75% patients without cirrhosis, and 15% patients with cirrhosis. According to the SGA, 86.5% of patients were nourished, and 13.5% were malnourished. Malnutrition was associated with cirrhosis (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.4; P < .001), alcohol abuse, direct bilirubin >3.0 mg/dL, international normalized ratio >1.1, platelet <150 × 10(3)/mm(3), hemoglobin <12 g/dL, and serum albumin <3.5 g/dL (P < .05). According to the BMI, 43.9% of patients were eutrophic, 33.5% were overweight, 21.3% were obese, and 1.3% were underweight. Obese patients had a higher prevalence of steatosis than eutrophic (PR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.15-2.04; P = .003) and overweight (PR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.33-2.20; P < .001) patients. Overweight/obesity was associated with WC >94 cm (men) and >80 cm (women), %BF >25% (men) and >32% (women) (P < .01), triglyceride >150 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dL, glucose >99 mg/dL, insulin >20 µU/mL, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance >3.2, and thyroid-stimulating hormone >2.5 µU/mL (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Overweight/obesity is prevalent among patients with hepatitis B and C and can contribute to the development of steatosis. Malnutrition is also observed and is related to the severity of liver disease.
Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase selectively inhibits cell proliferation in human breast cancer cells displaying enhanced insulin-like growth factor I-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase activation.

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase mediates cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell survival by regulating signaling pathways activated by receptor protein tyrosine kinases (RPTKs), including the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-IR). We analyzed the upstream signaling components of the MAP kinase pathway, including RPTKs, in human breast cancer cell lines and found that some of those components were overexpressed. Importantly, signaling molecules such as IGF-IR, insulin receptor, and insulin receptor substrate 1, leading to the MAP kinase pathway, were found to be concomitantly overexpressed within certain tumor lines, i.e., MCF-7 and T-47D. When compared with the nonmalignant and other breast tumor lines examined, MCF-7 and T-47D cells displayed a more rapid, robust, and sustained MAP kinase activation in response to insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) stimulation. By contrast, IGF-I treatment led to a sustained down-regulation of MAP kinase in those lines overexpressing ErbB2-related RPTKs. Interestingly, blocking the MAP kinase pathway with PD098059 had the greatest antiproliferative effect on MCF-7 and T-47D among the normal and tumor lines tested. Furthermore, addition of an IGF-IR blocking antibody to growth medium attenuated the ability of PD098059 to suppress the growth of MCF-7 and T-47D cells. Thus, our study suggests that concomitant overexpression of multiple signaling components of the IGF-IR pathway leads to the amplification of IGF-I-mediated MAP kinase signaling and resultant sensitization to PD098059. The enhanced sensitivity to PD098059 implies an increased requirement for the MAP kinase pathway in those breast cancer cells, making this pathway a potential target in the treatment of selected breast malignancies.
Evaluation of a Commercial Direct Fluorescent-Antibody Assay for Human Metapneumovirus in Respiratory Specimens

ABSTRACT The performance of a commercially manufactured direct fluorescent-antibody assay kit for human metapneumovirus was compared to that of reverse transcriptase PCR, the current “gold standard. ” The kit demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.2%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 98.9%.
The in vivo Effects of an Antiseptic Mouthwash on Odor-producing Microorganisms

Oral odorigens were quantitated by specific, functional assays; oral malodor was simultaneously measured organoleptically. An antiseptic mouthwash was found to depress malodor and populations of odorigenic bacteria for at least two h. These results support the hypothesis that the anti-odor properties of the product are related to its anti-microbial activity.
Elevated serum advanced glycation endproducts in obese indicate risk for the metabolic syndrome: a link between healthy and unhealthy obesity?

CONTEXT Although obesity can predispose to the metabolic syndrome (MS), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, not all obese subjects develop MS, hence the need for new indicators of risk for this syndrome. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) correlate with factors involved in the MS, including inflammation and insulin resistance (IR). Because AGEs can be derived from food and are modifiable, it is important to determine whether they are a risk factor for MS. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the association of endogenous and exogenous AGEs with MS criteria. DESIGN The following data were collected in a cross-sectional study of subjects with and without the MS: serum AGEs (sAGEs) and mononuclear cell AGEs, metabolites, pro- and antiinflammatory markers, body fat mass measures, including abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, and caloric and dietary AGE (dAGE) consumption. SETTING The study was conducted in the general community. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 130 MS and 139 non-MS subjects of both sexes, older than 50 years. RESULTS sAGEs ((ϵ)N-carboxymethyllysine, methylglyoxal) were markedly elevated in obese persons with more than one other MS criteria but not in obese without MS criteria. sAGEs directly correlated with markers of IR (HOMA) and inflammation (leptin, TNFα, RAGE) and inversely with innate defenses (SIRT1, AGE receptor 1 [AGER1], glyoxalase-I, adiponectin). sAGEs correlated with dAGEs but not with calories, nutrient consumption, or fat mass measures. Consumption of dAGE, but not of calories, was markedly higher in MS than in non-MS. CONCLUSION High sAGEs, a modifiable risk factor for IR, may indicate risk for the MS, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. High dietary AGE consumption and serum AGE levels may link healthy obesity to at-risk obesity.
Monocytes Are Differentially Activated Through HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP Molecules Via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases1

When HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP were cross-linked by solid-phase mAbs, monocytes produced monokines and only anti-DR markedly activated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase extracellular signal-related kinase, whereas anti-DR, anti-DQ, and anti-DP all activated MAP kinase p38. Activation of extracellular signal-related kinase was not inhibited by neutralizing Ab to TNF-α. Anti-DR and DR-restricted T cells stimulated monocytes to produce relatively higher levels of proinflammatory monokines, such as IL-1β, whereas anti-DQ/DP and DQ-/DP-restricted T cells stimulated higher levels of anti-inflammatory monokine IL-10. IL-10 production was abrogated by the p38 inhibitor SB203580, but rather enhanced by the MAP/extracellular signal-related kinase kinase-I-specific inhibitor PD98059, whereas IL-1β was only partially abrogated by SB203580 and PD98059. Furthermore, DR-restricted T cells established from PBMC, which are reactive with mite Ags, purified protein derivative, and random 19-mer peptides, exhibited a higher IFN-γ:IL-4 ratio than did DQ- or DP-restricted T cells. These results indicate that HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP molecules transmit distinct signals to monocytes via MAP kinases and lead to distinct monokine activation patterns, which may affect T cell responses in vivo. Thus, the need for generation of a multigene family of class II MHC seems apparent.
N‐Acetylaspartylglutamate is an agonist at mGluR3 in vivo and in vitro

Although N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) was first reported in the mid 1960s to be present in the mammalian brain and spinal cord at mM concentrations, the critical experiments that established this peptide as a neurotransmitter emerged several decades later (reviewed in Neale et al., 2000). Since NAAG is by far the most prevalent and widely distributed peptide transmitter in the mammalian brain, it could be predicted to have roles in a broad spectrum of neuronal circuits and nervous system functions. A series of studies in animal models of clinical disorders have shown this to be the case (reviewed in Neale et al., 2005; 2011; Tsukamoto et al. 2007). A central element in defining the function of this peptide relates to its selective activation of the type 3 metabotropic “glutamate” receptor (mGluR3), a group II mGluR. This receptor has been localized to presynaptic terminals where it inhibits transmitter release via its negative coupling to cyclic nucleotides (reviewed in Niswender and Conn, 2010). As an endogenous mGluR3 agonist, NAAG has been shown to reduce cAMP and cGMP levels and to inhibit transmitter release (Adedoyin et al., 2010; Wroblewska et al., 1993; 1997; 1998, 2006; Zhao et al., 2001; Zhong et al., 2006). A model of the synaptic function of NAAG has emerged from a substantial literature on this peptide over the past 20 years and from data on other peptide cotransmitter actions in the perisynaptic space (Figure 1). Figure 1 A model of the role of NAAG peptidase inhibition and its influence on NAAG and NAAG2 in the nervous system (From Neale et al., 2011) The significance of NAAG in nervous system function has been most effectively studied through the development of inhibitors of the extracellular enzymes that inactivate it (Tsukamoto et al. 2007; Zhou et al., 2005). These inhibitors elevate extracellular levels of NAAG and consistent with NAAG activation of mGluR3, they reduce the release of other transmitters (Slusher et al., 1999; Zhong et al., 2006; Adedoyin 2010). The application of these inhibitors in vivo revealed that elevating the synaptic level of this peptide has considerable therapeutic potential in clinical conditions ranging from stroke and traumatic brain injury to inflammatory pain and schizophrenia (reviewed in Neale et al., 2005; 2011). NAAG peptidase inhibitors also may inhibit the extracellular hydrolysis of NAAG’s newly discovered sister peptide N-acetylaspartylglutamylglutamate (NAAG2) if it is synaptically released (Lodder-Gadaczek et al., 2011). Importantly, in these preclinical studies, the heterotropic mGluR2/3 antagonist LY341495 blocks the efficacy of NAAG peptidase inhibition (Neale et al., 2005; 2011).
Biocompatibility of Plastic Clip in Neurocranium - Experimental Study on Dogs.

AIM A potential advantage of the use of the plastic clips in neurosurgery is their property of causing fewer artifacts than titanium clips as assessed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance scans. The biocompatibility of plastic clips was demonstrated in the peritoneal cavity, but their behavior in the neurocranium is not known. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve aggressive stray dogs designated for euthanasia were taken for this experimental study. The animals were divided into two groups. In all cases, after anesthesia, a craniotomy was performed, and after opening the dura, a proximal part titanium clip was placed on the isolated superficial Sylvian vein (a permanent Yasargil FT 746 T clip at a 90° angle, while a plastic Hem-o-lok clip ML was placed on another part of the vein). The first group of animals was sacrificed on the 7 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative day and the second group on the 60 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative day. Samples of tissue around the clips were taken for a histopathological evaluation. RESULTS The plastic clip caused a more intensive tissue reaction than the titanium clip on the 7 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative day, but there was no statistical difference. Even on the 60 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative day there was no significant difference in tissue reaction between the titanium and plastic clips. CONCLUSION These preliminary results confirm the possibility for the use of plastic clips in neurosurgery. Before their use in human neurosurgery, further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of the presence of plastic clips in the neurocranium, as well as studies of the aneurysmal model.
Exploring the Relationships Between Dissociation, Victimization, and Juvenile Sexual Offending

An etiological model of sexually abusive behavior including dissociation could have utility for researchers and treatment providers working with sexually abusive youth with trauma histories. This article explores relationships between dissociation, victimization, and juvenile sexual offending. Self-reported data on dissociation and 5 types of abuse were collected from 2 racially/ethnically diverse groups of sexually abusive and general delinquent male adolescents (n = 502). Bivariate analysis showed significant correlations between all types of child abuse and dissociation with the exception of emotional neglect. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis indicated that dissociation was significant in predicting sexual offender status. Moreover, dissociation, sexual victimization, and physical abuse showed significant effects in predicting membership in the sexual offender group. The results confirm the need for additional research in the areas of assessment and treatment of dissociation among sexually abusive youth.