Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contribution of potential EF hand motifs to the calcium‐dependent gating of a mouse brain large conductance, calcium‐sensitive K+ channel

1 The large conductance, calcium‐sensitive K+ channel (BKCa channel) is a unique member of the K+‐selective ion channel family in that activation is dependent upon both direct calcium binding and membrane depolarization. Calcium binding acts to dynamically shift voltage‐dependent gating in a negative or left‐ward direction, thereby adjusting channel opening to changes in cellular membrane potential. 2 We hypothesized that the intrinsic calcium‐binding site within the BKCa channel α subunit may contain an EF hand motif, the most common, naturally occurring calcium binding structure. Following identification of six potential sites, we introduced a single amino acid substitution (D/E to N/Q or A) at the equivalent of the ‐z position of a bona fide EF hand that would be predicted to lower calcium binding affinity at each of the six sites. 3 Using macroscopic current recordings of wild‐type and mutant BKCa channels in excised inside‐out membrane patches from HEK 293 cells, we observed that a single point mutation in the C‐terminus (Site 6, FLD923QD to N), adjacent to the ‘calcium bowl’ described by Salkoff and colleagues, shifted calcium‐sensitive gating right‐ward by 50‐65 mV over the range of 2‐12 μM free calcium, but had little effect on voltage‐dependent gating in the absence of calcium. Combining this mutation at Site 6 with a similar mutation at Site 1 (PVD81EK to N) in the N‐terminus produced a greater shift (70‐90 mV) in calcium‐sensitive gating over the same range of calcium. We calculated that these combined mutations decreased the apparent calcium binding affinity ≈11‐fold (129.5 μM vs. 11.3 μM) compared to the wild‐type channel. 4 We further observed that a bacterially expressed protein encompassing Site 6 of the BKCa channel C‐terminus and bovine brain calmodulin were both able to directly bind 45Ca2+ following denaturation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (e.g. SDS‐PAGE). 5 Our results suggest that two regions within the mammalian BKCa channel α subunit, with sequence similarities to an EF hand motif, functionally contribute to the calcium‐sensitive gating of this channel.
Contribution of public parks to physical activity.

OBJECTIVES Parks provide places for people to experience nature, engage in physical activity, and relax. We studied how residents in low-income, minority communities use public, urban neighborhood parks and how parks contribute to physical activity. METHODS In 8 public parks, we used direct observation to document the number, gender, race/ethnicity, age group, and activity level of park users 4 times per day, 7 days per week. We also interviewed 713 park users and 605 area residents living within 2 miles of each park. RESULTS On average, over 2000 individuals were counted in each park, and about two thirds were sedentary when observed. More males than females used the parks, and males were twice as likely to be vigorously active. Interviewees identified the park as the most common place they exercised. Both park use and exercise levels of individuals were predicted by proximity of their residence to the park. CONCLUSIONS Public parks are critical resources for physical activity in minority communities. Because residential proximity is strongly associated with physical activity and park use, the number and location of parks are currently insufficient to serve local populations well.
The effect of 𝛃-glucanase supplementation of barley- and oat-based diets on growth performance and fermentation in broiler chicken gastrointestinal tract

1. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether grain type (barley or oats) and β-glucanase inclusion influence the performance and the gastrointestinal ecosystem of broiler chickens, taking the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid, pH, ileal viscosity, and the weight of the caeca and liver into consideration. 2. The inclusion of β-glucanase in the oat-based diet improved body weight gains. Enzyme supplementation of barley-based diets improved feed conversion efficiency and reduced intestinal viscosity. 3. Irrespective of the type of cereal, β-glucanase supplementation increased the lactic acid concentration and lowered the pH of the crop contents. No such changes in fermentation were observed in the contents of the gizzard and ileum. 4. Larger amounts of total dietary fibre and its fractions (arabinoxylans and β-glucans) in oats decreased the weight of the caeca. 5. Molar ratios of acetate, propionate and butyrate in the caecal chyme were affected by cereal type but not by enzyme supplementation. The barley-based diet increased the butyrate:propionate ratio but the opposite effect was observed with the oat-based diet.
Religion, Sexual Orientation, and Suicide Attempts Among a Sample of Suicidal Adolescents

Despite condemnation of same-sex attraction by certain religious groups, few studies have explored the relationship between religion, same-sex attraction, and suicidality. This study examined the moderating effect of same-sex attraction on the relationship between parent/adolescent religiosity and suicide ideation/attempts in a suicidal adolescent sample (N = 129). Linear and negative binomial regressions tested the effects of a two-way dichotomous (same-sex attraction, yes/no) by continuous (religiosity) interaction on ideation and attempts, respectively. The interaction was not significant for ideation. However, high religiosity was associated with more attempts in youth reporting same-sex attraction but fewer attempts in those reporting opposite-sex attraction only.
ORAL ARGUMENTS , AND SUPREME COURT DECISION MAKING

Conventional wisdom in judicial politics is that oral arguments play little if any role in how the Supreme Court makes decisions. A primary reason for this view is that insufficient evidence exists to test this hypothesis. Thus, I ask, do Supreme Court justices use information from oral arguments that may help them make decisions as close as possible to their preferred goals? My answer is straightforward: An investigation of the oral arguments and the Court’s majority opinions in a sample of cases from the Burger Court era shows that the Court gathers information during oral arguments and then uses this information when making substantive policy choices. This finding has clear implications for the way in which scholars view the Supreme Court’s decision-making process, as it suggests that the accepted view of where oral arguments fit into this process is far from accurate.
Heterogeneity in fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS): autopsy confirmation in three 20–21‐week fetuses

Fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS) is a rare condition characterized by intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), congenital limb contractures, pulmonary hypoplasia, hydramnios and craniofacial abnormalities. The present report comprises an autopsy study of three fetuses to illustrate the variable clinical manifestations and neuropathological findings. Fetus 1 had arthrogryposis and no movement on fetal ultrasound examination. Aborted at 21 weeks, the fetus showed micrognathia, bilateral joint contracture with pterygia at the elbow and axilla. Growth retardation and pulmonary hypoplasia were not major features. Neuropathologic examination revealed anterior horn cell loss and lateral corticospinal tract degeneration in spinal cord, with marked muscular atrophy. Fetus 2, 20 weeks' gestation, had fetal akinesia, nuchal thickening, left pleural effusion, and Dandy‐Walker malformation on ultrasound examination. Autopsy showed low‐set ears, ocular hypertelorism, cleft palate, flexion contractures with pterygia over axilla, elbow and groin, pulmonary hypoplasia, Dandy‐Walker malformation, unremarkable spinal cord and skeletal muscle. Fetus 3, 21 weeks' gestation, was aborted for fetal akinesia, neck and limb webbing and severe arthrogryposis. At autopsy, similar facial abnormalities, contracture and pterygia in neck and multiple major joints were found. Borderline pulmonary hypoplasia and severe lumbar scoliosis were also present. The brain, spinal cord and muscle were unremarkable.
Review of the 2014-2015 influenza season in the northern hemisphere.

This report summarizes the chronology, epidemiology and virology of the 2017– 2018 influenza season in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. It is based on data on influenza activity collected between October 2017 and midMay 2018. The data presented were derived primarily from reports published by national ministries of health or other official bodies or reported to WHO through FluNet1 or FluID.2 Transmission characteristics, illness and mortality data are presented by geographical region: North America, Europe, northern Africa and western Asia and eastern Asia. The distribution of virus subtypes by transmission zone is shown in Map 1.
Option and quasi-option value: An approach to deal with climate change effects in coastal areas

Conventional economic models facing the assessment of technical solutions to human needs usually focus on Cost and Benefit Analysis as basic instruments. These models typically compute costs of technical intervention, benefits of avoided damages and balance them. A time discounting correction is also included in order to adjust the figures obtained to a more suitable financial reference. When climate change is involved and coastal vulnerabilities are taking into consideration, several weakness of the model emerge due to its lack of capability to capture the overall phenomenon, nevertheless the CBA paradigm appears to be well embedded in public decisions framework and thereof can still be considered as a valid decision framework. In this paper we review the role played by two concepts as option value and quasi-option value as a way to increase the reliability of the figures introduced to estimate the future situation for climate change involved decisions.
The earliest prehistory of Cyprus : from colonization to exploitation

The remarkable developments concerning the earliest prehistory of Cyprus are presented by scholars immediately involved with the research who discuss the evidence and its interpretation. No other publication encompasses recent findings from the period of earliest colonization of the island to the Neolithic sedentary communities. Together with a review of evidence from the Levant, this collection of papers is essential reading for prehistorians and archaeologists working in the region. Contents: The First Humans and Last Pygmy Hippopotami of Cyprus (Alan H. Simmons); Some Comments on the Akrotiri Aetokremnos Fauna (David S. Reese); Parekklisha Shillourokambos: An Early Neolithic Site in Cyprus; Jean-Denis Vigne, Large Mammals of Early Aceramic Neolithic Cyprus: Preliminary Results from Parekklisha Shillourokambos (Jean Guilaine and Francois Briois); Well-Established Colonists: Mylouthkia 1 and the Cypro-Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (Edgar Peltenburg, Paul Croft, Adam Jackson, Carole McCartney, and Mary Anne Murray); Kalavasos Tenta Revisited (Ian A. Todd); At the Other End of the Sequence: The Cypriot Aceramic Neolithic as Seen from Khirokitia (Alain Le Brun); Aceramic Neolithic Plant Remains in Cyprus: Clues to their Origins? (Julie Hansen); The World Around Cyprus: From Epi-Paleolithic Foragers to the Collapse of the PPNB Civilization (Ofer Bar-Yosef).
Top-down influence on gaze patterns in the presence of social features

Visual saliency maps reflecting locations that stand out from the background in terms of their low-level physical features have proven to be very useful for empirical research on attentional exploration and reliably predict gaze behavior. In the present study we tested these predictions for socially relevant stimuli occurring in naturalistic scenes using eye tracking. We hypothesized that social features (i.e. human faces or bodies) would be processed preferentially over non-social features (i.e. objects, animals) regardless of their low-level saliency. To challenge this notion, we included three tasks that deliberately addressed non-social attributes. In agreement with our hypothesis, social information, especially heads, was preferentially attended compared to highly salient image regions across all tasks. Social information was never required to solve a task but was regarded nevertheless. More so, after completing the task requirements, viewing behavior reverted back to that of free-viewing with heavy prioritization of social features. Additionally, initial eye movements reflecting potentially automatic shifts of attention, were predominantly directed towards heads irrespective of top-down task demands. On these grounds, we suggest that social stimuli may provide exclusive access to the priority map, enabling social attention to override reflexive and controlled attentional processes. Furthermore, our results challenge the generalizability of saliency-based attention models.
Single amino acid substitutions in the hemagglutinin can alter the host range and receptor binding properties of H1 strains of influenza A virus

We have previously characterized an influenza A (H1N1) virus which has host-dependent growth and receptor binding properties and have shown that a mutation which removes an oligosaccharide from the tip of the hemagglutinin (HA) by changing Asn-129 to Asp permits this virus to grow to high titer in MDBK cells, (C. M. Deom, A. J. Caton, and I. T. Schulze, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:3771-3775, 1986). We have now isolated monoclonal antibodies specific for the mutant HA and have used escape mutants to identify alterations in HA sequence which reduce virus yields from MDBK cells without reducing those from chicken embryo fibroblasts. Two types of escape mutants which grow equally well in chicken embryo fibroblasts were obtained. Those with the parent phenotype contain Asn at residue 129 and are glycosylated at that site. Those with the mutant phenotype are unchanged at residue 129 but have a Gly to Glu substitution at residue 158, which is close to residue 129 on the HA1 subunit. Binding assays with neoglycoproteins containing N-acetylneuraminic acid in either alpha 2,3 or alpha 2,6 linkage to galactose showed that the MDBK-synthesized oligosaccharides at Asn-129 reduce binding to both of these receptors, leaving the HA's preference for alpha 2,6 linkages unchanged. Glu at residue 158 greatly reduces binding to both receptors without reducing virus yields from MDBK cells. We conclude that changes in the receptor binding properties of the HA can result either from direct alteration of the HA protein by host cell glycosylation or from mutations in the HA gene and that these changes generate heterogeneity that can contribute to the survival of influenza A virus populations in nature.
Measurements of endothelin-1, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen plasma levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract Objective: To assess plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1), C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen (FIB) levels in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and explore the potential association among them. Methods: In 23 consecutive patients with AIS diagnosed clinically and confirmed by CT brain scan, we measured plasma levels of ET-1 by radioimmunoassay, and CRP and FIB on the first and fifth days after the onset of AIS and we compared them with the levels of ten healthy volunteers in the control group. Results: The mean plasma levels of ET-1 in AIS patients on the first and fifth days were respectively 19.93 ± 6.72 and 16.47 ± 26.3 pmol/l (p<0.001) compared with 3.68 ± 1.2 pmol/l in the control group (p<0.001 versus mean values on the first and fifth days). The mean plasma levels of CRP in the patients on the first and fifth days were respectively 2.7 ± 4.7 and 3.0 ± 4.4 mg/dl (p>0.05) compared with 0.2 ± 0.1 mg/dl in the control group (p<0.05 versus mean values on the first and fifth days). The mean plasma levels of FIB in the patients on the first and fifth days were respectively 361 ± 98.89 and 392.7 ± 144.89 mg/dl, while in the control group, it was 330.5 ± 90.28 mg/dl (p>0.05 versus mean values on the first and fifth days). A positive association was found between the plasma levels of ET-1 and CRP on the fifth day (p<0.05). Conclusions: ET-1 was found to be significantly elevated in the plasma in the AIS. There is association between ET-1 and CRP on the fifth day after AIS. Plasma levels of ET-1 and its association with CRP levels may be used as additional biomarkers for AIS.
Stroke: patient characteristics and quality of life of caregivers.

Objective: to investigate the association between the domains of health-related quality of life of family caregivers and sociodemographic characteristics of individuals with stroke sequelae. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative research, conducted with 136 family caregivers of individuals with stroke sequelae by means of home interviews from April to June 2013. Results: we found that caregivers of individuals aged under 65 years, married, with 10 to 12 years of formal education, presented higher scores, respectively, in the domains 'Social aspects', 'Emotional aspects', and 'Mental health'. However, caregivers of patients with higher degree of disability obtained lower score in the 'Mental Health' domain. Conclusion: the results foster reflection on the need of including the family caregivers of individuals with stroke sequelae in the planning of care provided by health professionals.
Pharmacological treatment of oro‐facial pain – health technology assessment including a systematic review with network meta‐analysis

This health technology assessment evaluated the efficacy of pharmacological treatment in patients with orofacial pain. Randomised controlled trials were included if they reported pharmacological treatment in patients ≥18 years with chronic (≥3 months) orofacial pain. Patients were divided into subgroups: TMD-muscle [Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) mainly associated with myalgia]; TMD-joint (TMD mainly associated with temporomandibular joint pain); and Burning mouth syndrome (BMS). The primary outcome was pain intensity reduction after pharmacological treatment. The scientific quality of the evidence was rated according to GRADE. An electronic search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase from database inception to 1 March 2017 combined with a handsearch identified 1,556 articles. After screening of abstracts, 182 articles were reviewed in full text and 57 studies met the inclusion criteria. After risk of bias assessment, 41 articles remained: 15 studies on 790 patients classified as TMD-joint, 9 on 375 patients classified as TMD-muscle, and 17 on 868 patients with BMS. Of these, 8 studies on TMD-muscle and 5 on BMS were included in separate network meta-analysis. The narrative synthesis suggests that NSAIDs as well as corticosteroid and hyaluronate injections are effective treatments for TMD-joint pain. The network meta-analysis showed that clonazepam and capsaicin reduced pain intensity in BMS, and the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine, for the TMD-muscle group. In conclusion, based on a limited number of studies, evidence provided with network meta-analysis showed that clonazepam and capsaicin are effective in treatment of BMS and that the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine have a positive treatment effect for TMD-muscle pain. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Math learning disorder: incidence in a population-based birth cohort, 1976-82, Rochester, Minn.

OBJECTIVE To report the incidence of math learning disorder (Math LD) among school-aged children, overall and by gender. To compare incidence estimates obtained by using three different methods to identify Math LD cases. To assess the extent to which children manifest Math LD alone, versus Math LD with comorbid reading disorder. METHODS This is a population-based, retrospective, birth cohort study. Subjects included all children born 1976-82 who remained in Rochester, Minn after age 5 (N = 5718). Using records from all public and private schools, medical facilities, and private tutorial services, all individually administered intelligence quotient and achievement tests and extensive medical, educational, and socioeconomic information were abstracted. Math LD was established using research criteria based on 3 formulas (regression-based discrepancy, nonregression-based discrepancy, low achievement). RESULTS Cumulative incidence rates of Math LD by age 19 years varied from 5.9% to 13.8% according to the formula used. Boys were more likely to be affected than girls, with relative risk ratios from 1.6 to 2.2 depending on the formula applied. Many children with Math LD (35% to 56.7%, depending on the formula used to define Math LD) did not have a comorbid reading disorder. CONCLUSIONS These results, from a community-based birth cohort, suggest that Math LD is common among schoolchildren, and is significantly more frequent among boys than girls, regardless of definition. Many children with Math LD do not have an associated reading disorder.
Maltreatment of children.

Iam beginning this column with a tribute to Dr. Marc O. Beem, the former Professor of Pediatrics and longtime Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Chicago, who died on September 29, 2014, at 91 years old. I met Marc while I was a thirdyear medical student, rotating through his service at the University of Chicago. He was particularly—with his gentle, thoughtful, and methodical approach to patients, teaching, and research—instrumental in my career choices of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases. Marc’s publications included early reports from the National Institutes of Health on the “chimpanzee coryza virus,” better known to pediatricians everywhere as RSV. He also published classic papers in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1977,1 in the Journal of Pediatrics in 1986,2 and in Pediatrics in 1979,3 defining infantile chlamydial pneumonitis. This issue of Pediatric Annals focuses on Child Neglect and Maltreatment, with Howard Dubowitz, MD, MS, FAAP, serving as guest editor. Scott D. Krugman, MD, MS, FAAP, focuses on the importance of pediatric advocacy when tackling issues related to child neglect. James Anderst, MD, MSCI, and Mary Moffatt, MD, discuss adequate
Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of Patients With Positional Plagiocephaly: The Role of Physical Therapy.

BACKGROUND Evidence-based guidelines are not currently available for the treatment of positional plagiocephaly and, in particular, for the use of physical therapy for treatment. OBJECTIVE To answer the question: "does physical therapy provide effective treatment for positional plagiocephaly? " Treatment recommendations are created based on the available evidence. METHODS The PubMed and the Cochrane Library were queried using MeSH headings and key words relevant to the objective of this systematic review. Abstracts were reviewed, after which studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and graded according to their quality of evidence (Classes I-III). Evidentiary tables were constructed that summarized pertinent study results, and recommendations were made based on the quality of the literature (Levels I-III). RESULTS Three studies met criteria for inclusion. Two randomized, controlled trials (Class I and Class II) and 1 prospective study assessing plagiocephaly as a secondary outcome measure (Class III) were included. CONCLUSION Within the limits of this systematic review, physical therapy is significantly more effective than repositioning education as a treatment for positional plagiocephaly. There is no significant difference between physical therapy and a positioning pillow as a treatment for positional plagiocephaly. However, given the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation against soft pillows in cribs to ensure a safe sleeping environment for infants, physical therapy must be recommended over the use of a positioning pillow. The full guidelines document can be located at https://www.cns. org/guidelines/guidelines-management-patients-positional-plagiocephaly/Chapter_4.