Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytosolic Phospholipase A2(cPLA2) Immunoreactivity Is Elevated in Alzheimer's Disease Brain

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is the key enzyme that initiates the arachidonic acid cascade, which leads to the generation of multiple eicosanoid products. Many of these products are believed to play an important role in the inflammatory process. Activation of PLA2 is observed under pathological conditions where inflammation is present. Cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) is activated by very low levels of calcium and is thought to control receptor-mediated eicosanoid production and to participate in intracellular signal transduction processes. In view of the presence of numerous inflammatory mediators and acute phase proteins in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, localization of cPLA2 in AD brain was evaluated and compared to that observed in nonneurologically diseased controls. In this study, a monoclonal antibody raised against cPLA2 was used to immunostain tissue sections of human cerebral cortex. Five AD cases and six neurologically normal cases were evaluated in the occipital cortex and the cerebellum. Two of the AD cases were also examined in other cortical regions. Granular-like staining with anti-cPLA2 was found to be associated with astrocytes in the cortex of both control and AD cases. Colocalization with GFAP confirmed that cPLA2 immunoreactivity is associated almost exclusively with protoplasmic astrocytes. Staining was abolished when sections were labeled with antibody that had been preadsorbed with purified cPLA2. In AD brain, cPLA2 immunoreactive astrocytes were greater in number and more intensely stained than those in control cases. cPLA2 immunoreactivity was virtually absent in the cerebelium of AD and control cases, despite the presence in this region of diffuse amyloid in two AD cases and amyloid angiopathy in a third case. In the cortex, cPLA2 immunoreactive astrocytes were detected in regions that contained numerous A beta deposits. The finding of elevated levels of cPLA2 immunoreactivity in AD brain supports the hypothesis that there is an active inflammatory process occurring in AD.
Robust upper body detection in unconstrained posture

This paper presents an efficient approach to detecting upper body in unconstrained posture based on Shape Context and Histograms of Orient Gradients. The method contains two steps. Shape context matching is used to get the candidates of upper bodies in the images at first, and then validation of each candidate is performed by using the Histograms of Orient Gradients. The method has two advantages, comparing with existing body detection methods. One is that it can detect upper bodies in all kinds of postures other than upright standing posture, and the other is that it significantly speeds up the computation.
Lagged effect of exports, industrialization and urbanization on carbon footprint in Southeast Asia

ABSTRACT The study aims to examine lagged causal effect of economic development policies on the carbon footprint of Southeast Asia. This study employs unit root test, cointegration test and panel data analysis methods to examine endogeneity concerns in observational data. The study applies panel data analysis methods to address unobserved country effect in the model. The balanced panel data includes a total of 240 observations with five cross sections of five nations in Southeast Asia and with 48 time-specific periods of 1970–2017. The results indicate that (1) exports, industrialization, urbanization and economic growth have lagged negative effect on the carbon footprint of the region in the short-run, and (2) there exists a long-run equilibrium relationship among exports, industrialization, urbanization, economic growth and carbon footprint in the region. The findings suggest that the economic growth, exports, industrialization and urbanization of the developing countries in Southeast Asia have been achieved at the cost of increasing the carbon footprint of the region. The findings imply that the environmental policy of the export-led growth countries never have been effective so far since the nations have achieved their economic growth at the high cost of harming the environment of the nations.
Evaluating dispersion forces for optimization of van der Waals complexes using a non-empirical functional

Modelling dispersion interactions with traditional density functional theory (DFT) is a challenge that has been extensively addressed in the past decade. The exchange-dipole moment (XDM), among others, is a non-empirical add-on dispersion correction model in DFT. The functional PW86+PBE+XDM for exchange, correlation and dispersion, respectively, compromises an accurate functional for thermochemistry and for van der Waals (vdW) complexes at equilibrium and non-equilibrium geometries. To use this functional in optimizing vdW complexes, rather than computing single point energies, it is necessary to evaluate accurate forces. The purpose of this paper is to validate that, along the potential energy surface, the distance at which the energy is minimum is commensurate with the distance at which the forces vanish to zero. This test was validated for 10 rare gas diatomic molecules using various integration grids and different convergence criteria. It was found that the use of either convergence criterion, 10−6 or 10−8, in Gaussian09, does not affect the accuracy of computed optimal distances and binding energies. An ultra-fine grid needs to be used when computing accurate energies using generalized gradient approximation functionals. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Multiscale modelling at the physics–chemistry–biology interface’.
Imidazenil: a new partial positive allosteric modulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) action at GABAA receptors.

Positive allosteric modulators of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors, including benzodiazepines and congeners, can be classified into three categories: 1) full allosteric modulators (i.e., triazolam and alprazolam) that act with high potency and efficacy at many GABAA receptors; 2) selective allosteric modulators (i.e., diazepam) that act with high potency and high efficacy at selected GABAA receptors; and 3) partial allosteric modulators (i.e., bretazenil) that act with high potency but low efficacy at many GABAA receptors. Imidazenil, an imidazobenzodiazepine carboxamide, has been characterized as a novel representative of the partial allosteric modulator class. When tested on a broad spectrum (native and recombinant) of GABAA receptors, imidazenil positively modulates the GABA-elicited Cl- currents with a 4- to 5-fold higher potency but an efficacy (30-50%) lower than that of diazepam, and it antagonizes the effects of the latter drug. Imidazenil in vitro (Ki = 5 x 10(-10) M) and in vivo (ID50 = 0.2 mumol/kg i.v.) displaces [3H]flumazenil from its brain binding sites and in vivo it possesses a marked anticonflict profile in the rat Vogel conflict-punishment test and is 10 times more potent than bretazenil and 100 times more potent than diazepam or alprazolam in antagonizing bicuculline- and pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. Unlike diazepam and alprazolam, which induce sedation and ataxia and potentiate the effects of ethanol and thiopental at doses similar to those that produce anticonflict effects and occupy 50% of brain flumazenil binding sites, imidazenil does not produce ataxia or sedation in rats nor does it potentiate the effects of ethanol or thiopental in doses 30- to 50-fold higher than those required for the anticonflict effect and for 100% occupancy of brain flumazenil binding sites. Furthermore, when administered with diazepam, imidazenil blocks in a dose-related fashion the sedative, ataxic effects of this drug and thus acts on these unwanted responses as an antagonist (i.e., like flumazenil). In all tests, imidazenil has the pharmacological profile of a partial allosteric modulator, but is more potent than bretazenil, has a longer biological half-life and, in rodents, is virtually unable to cause sedation, ataxia or to potentiate ethanol toxicity.
Sensitivity to seasonal changes in panic disorder patients

Abstract It has been suggested that symptoms of panic disorder may be significantly affected by seasonal factors including weather changes, although few studies have explored the issue. The purpose of the present paper was to investigate clinical data to examine sensitivity of panic disorder patients to seasonal changes and seasonal fluctuation of panic disorder symptoms. A self‐rating questionnaire consisting of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) and additional self‐rating questions were analyzed in 146 Japanese patients (50 male, 96 female) with panic disorder (DSM‐IV) at an outpatient clinic for anxiety disorder. The average of the Global Seasonality Scores (GSS) was 12.5 ± 4.7 and 25.3% of the patients were suggested to suffer from seasonal affective disorder, according to the GSS. Frequency of the panic attack was found to fluctuate seasonally, with peaks in August and December (P = 0.005 and 0.01, χ2 test). The present results indicate that panic disorder patients may be more sensitive to seasonal and meteorological factors than the general population and become more fragile in a specific season or months. This might assist in the development of preventive measures for the frequent recurrence of symptoms in panic disorder.
The Interrelation between Audit Quality and Managerial Reporting Choices and Its Effects on Financial Reporting Quality

This paper examines a model of auditing, managerial reporting bias, and market reactions to earnings reports to determine the influence of the manager and the auditor on financial reporting quality. Our purpose is to synthesize the financial reporting and strategic auditing literatures to provide conceptual guidance that can help empiricists disentangle audit quality from a firm’s innate characteristics. To that end, we focus on providing a linear equilibrium that can be directly applied to empirical research. Our results provide a testable theory of how institutional characteristics in the audit and financial reporting environments interact to affect the conduct of the audit, the expected reporting bias, and stock market reactions to earnings reports.
The impact of investment support on labour productivity in Lithuanian family farms: A propensity score matching approach

DOI: 10.14254/2071789X.2019/12-1/21 ABSTRACT. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of investment support on labour productivity in Lithuanian family farms. This issue is of particular importance when appraising whether the investment support has had the anticipated effects. Propensity score matching is employed to quantify the average treatment effect on the treated farms. The research is based on panel data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network covering the period of 2007– 2012. The results show that Lithuanian farmers’ participation in investment measures did not result in labour productivity gains. These results provide guidance for policy makers with regards to decisions on investment support measures beyond 2020.
Effects of heavy metals on plants and resistance mechanisms. A state-of-the-art report with special reference to literature published in Chinese journals.

GOAL, SCOPE AND BACKGROUND As one of the consequences of heavy metal pollution in soil, water and air, plants are contaminated by heavy metals in some parts of China. To understand the effects of heavy metals upon plants and the resistance mechanisms, would make it possible to use plants for cleaning and remediating heavy metal-polluted sites. METHODS The research results on the effects of heavy metals on plants and resistant mechanisms are compiled from Chinese publications from scientific journals and university journals, mostly published during the last decade. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Effects of heavy metals on plants result in growth inhibition, structure damage, a decline of physiological and biochemical activities as well as of the function of plants. The effects and bioavailability of heavy metals depend on many factors, such as environmental conditions, pH, species of element, organic substances of the media and fertilization, plant species. But, there are also studies on plant resistance mechanisms to protect plants against the toxic effects of heavy metals such as combining heavy metals by proteins and expressing of detoxifying enzyme and nucleic acid, these mechanisms are integrated to protect the plants against injury by heavy metals. CONCLUSIONS There are two aspects on the interaction of plants and heavy metals. On one hand, heavy metals show negative effects on plants. On the other hand, plants have their own resistance mechanisms against toxic effects and for detoxifying heavy metal pollution. RECOMMENDATIONS AND OUTLOOK To study the effects of heavy metals on plants and mechanisms of resistance, one must select crop cultivars and/or plants for removing heavy metals from soil and water. More highly resistant plants can be selected especially for a remediation of the pollution site. The molecular mechanisms of resistance of plants to heavy metals should be studied further to develop the actual resistance of these plants to heavy metals. Understanding the bioavailability of heavy metals is advantageous for plant cultivation and phytoremediation. Decrease in the bioavailability to farmlands would reduce the accumulation of heavy metals in food. Alternatively, one could increase the bioavailability of plants to extract more heavy metals.
Feasibility of EPS‐producing bacterial inoculation to speed up the sand aggregation in the Gurbantunggut Desert, Northwestern China

Exopolymers are known to be useful in improving sand aggregation and the development of biological soil crusts (BSCs). A facultative bacterium KLBB0001 was isolated from BSCs in the Gurbantunggut Desert in northwestern China. With the strong effective production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), this strain exhibits a multifunctional role for sand stabilization and maintenance of water under laboratory conditions. Practical testing of the feasibility of its inoculation to speed up BSC recovery in the field was also conducted in this experiment. This strain stimulated the heterotrophic community assembly in the topsoil layer (0–2 cm) before the commencement of autotrophic cyanobacteria, while also significantly increasing the number of bacteria, actinomycetes, and content of total phosphorus, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus. However, the low nitrogenase activity (NA) (0.57 µmol/h) that was observed caused us to doubt the previous identification as Azotobacter Beijerinck that was based on physiological and biochemical properties. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that this strain was a member of the genus Paenibacillus. It exhibited the closest phylogenetic affinity and highest sequence similarity to the strain Paenibacillus mucilaginosus VKPM B‐7519 (sequence similarity 99.698%), which is well known as a typical silicate‐weathering bacteria that releases lots of nutritional ions from minerals and the soil. Because P. mucilaginosus can excrete carbonic anhydrase (CA) to capture atmospheric CO2 through hydration of CO2, it is possible that KLBB0001 might use a similar strategy for heterotrophs in the BSCs to sequester CO2 from the air. Because of its potential role in the reestablishment of the BSC ecosystem due to its ability to improve water relations, sand stabilization, and chemical erosion, EPS‐producing bacterial inoculation was concluded to be a suitable and effective treatment for BSC recovery, especially in environments with limited water and nutrients.
Comparison of side hole versus non side hole high flow hemodialysis catheters

Current literature suggests that side holes may be detrimental to dialysis catheter performance. Today, these catheters are primarily available with side holes. The purpose of this study was to compare flow rates, infection rate, and survival of side hole vs. non side hole hemodialysis catheters. Over a 16‐month period patients were arbitrarily assigned to either a 14.5 F MAHURKAR® MAXID™ cuffed dual lumen tunneled catheter with side holes or a 14.5 F MAHURKAR MAXID cuffed dual lumen tunneled catheter without side holes (“non side hole catheters”). We performed a retrospective analysis of catheter flow rates, patency, catheter survival, and catheter‐related infections. Information was gathered for the life of the catheter or up to 28 weeks. A total of 54 patients were enrolled in the study. Thirty‐seven of 54 (68%) patients received a catheter with side holes for a total of 3,930 catheter days and 17/54 (32%) received a similar catheter without side holes for a total of 2,188 catheter days. Catheter infection necessitating removal of the catheter occurred in 10/37 catheters with side holes and 1/17 without side holes. Infection rates per 1,000 catheter days were 2.545 with side holes and 0.254 without side holes (p<0.001). Slightly improved catheter survival (p<0.05) was recorded with the non side hole catheters. No insertion complication (e.g., air embolization, bleeding, or kinking) occurred with either catheter. One catheter without side holes had to be repositioned 5 days after insertion because of poor flows. No significant difference was recorded in mean blood flow rates between the catheters. Results indicate reduced catheter infection rate in hemodialysis patients with the use of non side hole dual lumen tunneled cuffed catheters.
Semaphorin 4D activates the MAPK pathway downstream of plexin‐B1

Semaphorins are a large family of transmembrane and secreted proteins that signal primarily through the receptor, plexin. Semaphorins have been characterized in the nervous system as axon guidance cues, however they have also been shown to control development of other cellular systems such as the vasculature and lungs. As Semaphorins role outside of the nervous system has broadened so has elucidation of the intracellular signaling pathways they initiate. Previously, we and others have shown that plexin‐B1 activates RhoA through the binding and activation of the RhoGEF/LARG, in response to Semaphorin4D stimulation. In this study we show through biochemical mechanisms, that Semaphorin4D activates the MAPK pathway. We find that mechanism of activation requires the C‐terminus plexin‐B1 and the activation of RhoA.
Salmonella Bacteremia Among Children in Central and Northwest Nigeria, 2008-2015.

BACKGROUND Etiologic agents of childhood bacteremia remain poorly defined in Nigeria. The absence of such data promotes indiscriminate use of antibiotics and delays implementation of appropriate preventive strategies. METHODS We established diagnostic laboratories for bacteremia surveillance at regional sites in central and northwest Nigeria. Acutely ill children aged <5 years with clinically suspected bacteremia were evaluated at rural and urban clinical facilities in the Federal Capital Territory, central region and in Kano, northwest Nigeria. Blood was cultured using the automated Bactec incubator system. RESULTS Between September 2008 and April 2015, we screened 10,133 children. Clinically significant bacteremia was detected in 609 of 4051 (15%) in the northwest and 457 of 6082 (7.5%) in the central region. Across both regions, Salmonella species account for 24%-59.8% of bacteremias and are the commonest cause of childhood bacteremia, with a predominance of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. The prevalence of resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole was 38.11%, with regional differences in susceptibility to different antibiotics but high prevalence of resistance to readily available oral antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS Salmonella Typhi is the leading cause of childhood bacteremia in central Nigeria. Expanded surveillance is planned to define the dynamics of transmission. The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains calls for improvement in environmental sanitation in the long term and vaccination in the short term.
Immunophenotypic analysis of myelodysplastic syndromes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In contrast with hematologic malignancies in which the value of immunophenotypic studies is well established, information on the immunophenotypic characteristics of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is scanty. The main goal of the present study was to explore the immunophenotypic differences between patients with MDS and normal individuals, including changes in distribution of cell lineages as well as phenotypic aberrations and blockades in cell maturation pathways. DESIGN AND METHODS In MDS the proportion of bone marrow CD34+ cells was higher than in normal patients but the most immature progenitors (CD34+CD38-) were less represented. By contrast the proportion of myelomonocytic CD34+ cells was greater than in normal individuals, translating into an increased myeloid/non-myeloid CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cell ratio. RESULTS This suggests that in MDS, the majority of CD34+ cells are already committed to the myeloid lineage. Upon analyzing the granulo-monocytic differentiation pathway, MDS patients showed an increased proportion of monocytic cells with a decreased percentage of cells of neutrophil lineage, leading to a lower neutrophil/monocytic cell ratio. Maturational arrests in the monocytic but not in the neutrophil differentiation pathway were observed. In refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-t) such blockades mainly occurred during the earliest stages of differentiation but in the other MDS subtypes they occurred in later stages. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS Phenotypic aberrations occurred in 90% of patients and a high proportion of cases showed >=2 aberrations. In summary, our results show that, in addition to an abnormal distribution of the bone marrow cell compartment, MDS patients frequently show aberrant phenotypes and maturational arrests. Some of these features may help in cases in which the diagnosis of MDS is questionable.
Folding of apominimyoglobin.

The acid unfolding pathway of apominimyoglobin (apo-mini-Mb), a 108-aa fragment (aa 32-139) of horse heart apomyoglobin has been studied by means of circular dichroism, in comparison with the native apoprotein. Similar to sperm whale apomyoglobin [Hughson, F. M. , Wright, P. E. & Baldwin, R. L. (1990) Science 249, 1544-1548], a partly folded intermediate (alpha-helical content approximately 35%) is populated at pH 4.2 for horse heart apomyoglobin. For this intermediate, Hughson et al. proposed a structural model with a compact subdomain involving tertiary interactions between the folded A, G, and H helices, with the remainder of the protein essentially unfolded. As described in this paper, a folding intermediate with an alpha-helical content of approximately 33% is populated at pH 4.3-5.0 also in apo-mini-Mb. The acid unfolding pathway is similarly affected in both the native and the mini apoprotein by 15% trifluoroethanol, a helix-stabilizing compound. Thus, the folding of the apo-mini-Mb intermediate is similar to that observed for the native apoprotein, in spite of the absence in the miniprotein of the A helix and of a large part of the H helix, which are crucial for the stability of apo-Mb intermediate. Our results suggest that acquisition of a folded state in apo-mini-Mb occurs through an alternative pathway, which may or may not be shared also by apo-Mb.