Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulation of the Intracortical LFP during Action Execution and Observation

The activity of mirror neurons in macaque ventral premotor cortex (PMv) and primary motor cortex (M1) is modulated by the observation of another's movements. This modulation could underpin well documented changes in EEG/MEG activity indicating the existence of a mirror neuron system in humans. Because the local field potential (LFP) represents an important link between macaque single neuron and human noninvasive studies, we focused on mirror properties of intracortical LFPs recorded in the PMv and M1 hand regions in two macaques while they reached, grasped and held different objects, or observed the same actions performed by an experimenter. Upper limb EMGs were recorded to control for covert muscle activity during observation. The movement-related potential (MRP), investigated as intracortical low-frequency LFP activity (<9 Hz), was modulated in both M1 and PMv, not only during action execution but also during action observation. Moreover, the temporal LFP modulations during execution and observation were highly correlated in both cortical areas. Beta power in both PMv and M1 was clearly modulated in both conditions. Although the MRP was detected only during dynamic periods of the task (reach/grasp/release), beta decreased during dynamic and increased during static periods (hold). Comparison of LFPs for different grasps provided evidence for partially nonoverlapping networks being active during execution and observation, which might be related to different inputs to motor areas during these conditions. We found substantial information about grasp in the MRP corroborating its suitability for brain–machine interfaces, although information about grasp was generally low during action observation.
No effect of a noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor on performance in trained cyclists.

INTRODUCTION According to the central fatigue hypothesis, serotonin (5-HT) is related to fatigue, whereas the noradrenergic system is primarily concerned with arousal and motivation, and therefore hypothesized to enhance performance. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor (reboxetine 2 x 4 mg REB-NARI) on exercise performance. METHODS Seven healthy well-trained male cyclists (age: 23 +/- 1.7 yr, height: 182 +/- 5.8 cm, weight: 73.5 +/- 8.5 kg, VO2max: 73.5 +/- 6.4 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), Watt(max): 376 +/- 11.7 W) participated to the study. Subjects completed two endurance tests (time trials) starting at 65% Wmax in a double-blind randomized cross-over design. Blood samples were collected for adrenocorticotropin, prolactin, cortisol, growth hormone (GH), beta-endorphins, and catecholamines and were taken at 30-min time intervals until the end of exercise. Performance was analyzed with a paired t-test, whereas data for hormonal and metabolic differences during the trials were analyzed using an ANOVA repeated measures design and an LSD-planned comparisons test. Significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS Performance was not influenced by the NARI (REB: 97 min +/- 3 min, placebo (PLAC): 92 min +/- 1 min). All hormones increased during exercise except for GH in the REB trial, which was significantly lower than PLAC. The other hormones were significantly higher in the REB trial versus the PLAC trial at the end of exercise and during recovery. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the drug had a central effect. In particular, the higher resting GH concentrations indicated a marked and selective noradrenergic effect of REB. However, performance was not influenced by a selective NARI in well-trained endurance athletes.
Rifampin Greatly Reduces the Plasma Concentrations of Intravenous and Oral Oxycodone

Background:Oxycodone is a &mgr;-opioid receptor agonist that is metabolized mainly in the liver by cytochrome P450 3A and 2D6 enzymes. Rifampin is a strong inducer of several drug-metabolizing enzymes. The authors studied the interaction of rifampin with oxycodone. Their hypothesis was that rifampin enhances the CYP3A-mediated metabolism of oxycodone and attenuates its pharmacologic effect. Methods:The protocol was a four-session, paired crossover. Twelve volunteers were given 600 mg oral rifampin or placebo once daily for 7 days. Oxycodone was given on day 6. In the first part of the study, 0.1 mg/kg oxycodone hydrochloride was given intravenously. In the second part of the study, 15 mg oxycodone hydrochloride was given orally. Concentrations of oxycodone and its metabolites noroxycodone, oxymorphone, and noroxymorphone were determined for 48 h. Psychomotor effects were characterized for 12 h by several visual analog scales. Analgesic effects were characterized by measuring the heat pain threshold and cold pain sensitivity. Results:Rifampin decreased the area under the oxycodone concentration–time curve of intravenous and oral oxycodone by 53% and 86%, respectively (P < 0.001). Oral bioavailability of oxycodone was decreased from 69% to 21% (P < 0.001). Rifampin greatly increased the plasma metabolite–to–parent drug ratios for noroxycodone and noroxymorphone (P < 0.001). Pharmacologic effects of oral oxycodone were attenuated. Conclusions:Induction of cytochrome P450 3A by rifampin reduced the area under the oxycodone concentration–time curve of intravenous and oral oxycodone. The pharmacologic effects of oxycodone were modestly attenuated. To maintain adequate analgesia, dose adjustment of oxycodone may be necessary, when used concomitantly with rifampin.
Topical Neutralization of Interleukin-17 during Experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa Corneal Infection Promotes Bacterial Clearance and Reduces Pathology

ABSTRACT The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) is involved in neutrophilic tissue infiltration, contributing to both microbial clearance as well as inflammation-associated tissue damage. Its role during bacterial corneal infections is unknown. We hypothesized that IL-17 responses would be detrimental in this setting and tested the impact of IL-17 receptor deficiency or antibody-mediated neutralization of IL-17 in a murine model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ulcerative keratitis after scratch injury. We found that, compared with infected corneas from wild-type mice, those from IL-17 receptor (IL-17R)-deficient mice had significantly lower corneal pathology scores, neutrophil influx, and intracellular bacterial levels. Infected IL-17R-deficient corneas had low intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression, and ICAM-1-deficient mice were similarly resistant to infection. Topical treatment with polyclonal antibodies to IL-17 resulted in significant reductions in corneal pathology and also lowered bacterial counts after infection with six different laboratory or clinical P. aeruginosa strains, including both invasive and cytotoxic strains. Thus, neutralization of IL-17 during P. aeruginosa corneal infection reduces neutrophil influx and pathology without compromising bacterial clearance and offers a promising new avenue for therapy of these potentially sight-threatening infections.
Regulation of RUNX2 transcription factor–DNA interactions and cell proliferation by vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) prohormone activity

The fat‐soluble prohormone cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is a precursor of the circulating 25‐OH Vitamin D3, which is converted by 1α‐hydroxylase to the biologically active 1,25‐OH Vitamin D3. Active Vitamin D3 interacts with the Vitamin D receptor (VDR), a transcription factor that plays an important role in calcium mobilization and bone formation. RUNX2 is a DNA‐binding transcription factor that regulates target genes important in bone formation, angiogenesis, and cancer metastasis. Using computer‐assisted drug design (CADD) and a microtiter plate‐based DNA‐binding enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (D‐ELISA) to measure nuclear RUNX2 DNA binding, we have found that Vitamin D3 prohormones can modulate RUNX2 DNA binding, which was dose‐dependent and sensitive to trypsin, salt, and phosphatase treatment. Unlabeled oligonucleotide or truncated, dominant negative RUNX2 proteins were competitive inhibitors of RUNX2 DNA binding. The RUNX2 heterodimeric partner, Cbfβ, was detected in the binding complexes with specific antibodies. Evaluation of several RUNX2:DNA targeted small molecules predicted by CADD screening revealed a previously unknown biological activity of the inactive Vitamin D3 precursor, cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol modulated RUNX2:DNA binding at nanomolar concentrations even in cells with low VDR. Cholecalciferol and 25‐OH Vitamin D3 prohormones were selective inhibitors of RUNX2‐positive endothelial, bone, and breast cancer cell proliferation, but not of cells lacking RUNX2 expression. These compounds may have application in modulating RUNX2 activity in an angiogenic setting, in metastatic cells, and to promote bone formation in disease‐mediated osteoporosis. The combination CADD discovery and D‐ELISA screening approaches allows the testing of other novel derivatives of Vitamin D and/or transcriptional inhibitors with the potential to regulate DNA binding and biological function. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The influence of national culture on the performance expectancy of e-parliament adoption

E-parliament has gone global but the national culture may affect the adoption behaviour of legislators and citizens to it. Technology adoption literature is limited on the influence of national culture on e-parliament adoption and use. The study assessed the factors of national culture and their influence on adoption of e-parliament by legislators and citizens in Nigeria. The study investigated the correlations between national culture and the attribute of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, performance expectancy in regard to e-parliament adoption. The methods of data collection included a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews conducted on 346 federal legislators in Nigeria and 5 members of the public, respectively. The results showed that the dimensions of national culture such as masculinity, uncertainty avoidance and Confucian dynamics (‘face saving’) had moderate effects on the relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and intention to adopt e-parliaments by legislators and members of the public in Nigeria. The other dimensions of culture and cultural contexts such as individualism, power distance, cultural diversity, multiculturality, power (in the context of culture), hermeneutics and dialogue had no significant effect on performance expectancy of e-parliament adoption in the context of Nigeria.
Virus infection induces proteolytic processing of IL‐18 in human macrophages via caspase‐1 and caspase‐3 activation

There is increasing evidence that IL‐18 is a key pro‐inflammatory cytokine and an important mediator of Th1 immune response. The main source of IL‐18 is macrophage‐like cells. In the present study we have investigated IL‐18 protein expression in primary human macrophages in response to influenza A and Sendai virus infections. Macrophages constitutively expressed proIL‐18 but produced biologically active IL‐18 only after virus infection. The IL‐18 release was due to virus infection‐induced proteolytic processing of 24‐kDa proIL‐18 into its mature 18‐kDa form. ProIL‐18 processing required active caspase‐1 enzyme and the release of mature IL‐18 was blocked with a caspase‐1‐specific inhibitor. Caspase‐3 inhibitor also reduced IL‐18 production in response to virus infection. Inactive proforms of caspase‐1 and caspase‐3 were basally expressed in macrophages, and virus infection induced the cleavage of procaspases into their mature forms. Besides increasing the expression of caspase proteins, virus infection enhanced caspase mRNA expression in macrophages. The enhancement of caspase gene expression was abrogated by anti‐IFN‐α antibody. Furthermore, IFN‐α and IFN‐γ could induce caspase gene expression. These results imply that interferons are involved in virus‐induced caspase activation that leads to proIL‐18 processing and subsequent release of mature IL‐18.
On the computation of electric field and temperature distribution in HVDC cable insulation

The paper presents certain aspects of electrical/thermal failure of DC power cables. Closed form theoretical formulations for computing the critical stress and temperature due to an external heat source in the form of a steady current through the conductor is presented. The criticality here implies an unstable state of the dielectric and is shown, more often than not, to be different, from that corresponding to thermal decomposition limits. Formulation and solution of continuity equations under first and second kind boundary conditions taking account of electric stress and temperature-dependent DC conductivity is covered. Using the suggested model, stress and temperature distribution in the body of the insulation can be obtained to a reasonable degree of accuracy
The Phytochemical constituents and the effects of methanol extracts of Phyllanthus amarus leaves (kidney stone plant) on the hormonal parameters of Male guinea pigs.

The effects of the methanolic extracts of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus on the hormonal parameters of male Guinea pigs were investigated. The phytochemical screening of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus was also carried out. The hormonal parameters investigated are testosterone, Leutinizing and Follicle stimulating hormone. The methanolic extract of the Phyllanthus amarus leaves (50-800mg/kg) caused a statistically significance increase ( P respectively. These effects were also comparable to the effects of Vitamin E on these hormones. Finally, the phytochemical screening of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins and cardiac glycosides. This may support or justify the claims on the use of the aerial part of this plant by traditional medicine practitioners to increase/improve libido and reproductive function in men. Although further studies need to be done to investigate the contribution of the seeds of this plant in the improvement of libido in men; also to isolate and characterize the active principles in the leaf extracts.
In vivo Confocal Imaging of Pigmented Eccrine Poroma

Background: Near-infrared reflectance confocal microscopy (CM) imaging is a noninvasive technique that can be utilized to evaluate histologic features of cutaneous lesions in vivo. Objective: A case of pigmented eccrine poroma was examined with CM. Methods: Confocal images were taken to define the features of the lesion and correlated with transverse hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained sections. Results: In CM imaging, a well-demarcated homogeneous nest consisting of small uniform cells was seen. The nest contained nonrefractile dark spaces that may represent cuticuli. Many dendritic melanocytes containing melanin were intermingled with the tumor cells, and numerous melanophages were present in the upper dermis. A marked prominence of surrounding vessels was also demonstrated. Conclusions: CM could well demonstrate the features of a pigmented eccrine poroma, as correlated with transverse HE-stained sections. However, high reflectance signals from melanin had to be carefully considered before a definitive diagnosis could be made.
The error exponent for the noiseless encoding of finite ergodic Markov sources

A new approach to the classical fixed-length noiseless source coding problem is proposed for the case of finite ergodic Markov sources. This approach is based on simple counting arguments. The central notion of "Markov type" (a set containing all the source sequences having the same transition counts from letter to letter) is introduced and the cardinality of such a set is evaluated via graph theoretical tools. The error exponent is shown to be a weighted average of informational divergences, and the universal character of the result is stressed. As a corollary, the classical source coding theorem (determining the achievable rates) is rederived.
Oral rifampin plus ofloxacin for treatment of Staphylococcus-infected orthopedic implants

We examined the effectiveness and safety of the combination of rifampin plus ofloxacin given orally for treating prosthetic orthopedic implants infected with staphylococci. The prospective cohort study was conducted in a referral public hospital with ambulatory care services between 1985 and 1991. Consecutive patients from whom Staphylococcus organisms susceptible to the study drugs were isolated from their orthopedic implants and who had no contraindication to the treatment were eligible for the study. All patients were treated orally with rifampin, 900 mg/day, plus ofloxacin, 600 mg/day. Patients with hip prosthesis infection were treated for 6 months, with removal of any unstable prostheses after 5 months of treatment; patients with knee prosthesis infection were treated for 9 months, with removal of the prosthesis after 6 months of treatment; and patients with infected bone plates were treated for 6 months, with removal of the plate after 3 months of treatment, if necessary. Monthly clinical evaluations were conducted until the completion of the treatment and follow-up or telephone interviews were conducted at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months thereafter. Treatment failures were documented by clinical evaluation, sampling of the infected site for culture and antibiotic activity measurement, and fistulography, if possible. Cure was defined as the absence of clinical, biological, and radiological evidence of infection 6 months after the completion of treatment, treatment failure was defined as the absence of cure, and relapse was defined as the reappearance of infection caused by the same Staphylococcus isolate that caused the original infection, regardless of the timing of this secondary infection. Among 51 patients included in the study and evaluable for safety, 4 patients had side effects and were not evaluable for treatment effectiveness; the overall success rate was 74% among 47 patients, with a success rate of 81% for the hip prosthesis group, 69% for the knee prosthesis group, and 69% for the osteosynthesis device group. Eight treatment failures were relaxed to the isolation of a resistant bacterium. The combination of rifampin administered orally plus ofloxacin is a suitable alternative to the conventional long-term intravenous therapy for treatment of orthopedic implants infected with staphylococci.
Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollution on Soil in Vaderbijlpark, South Africa

In this study, inductive coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is employed for the evaluation of soil pollution for selected metals in the Vanderbijlpark area of South Africa. Soil samples investigated were collected from five different sites in the city based on their proximity to the industrial areas of Vanderbijlpark. Soil samples were collected from close to traffic robots, farms, township schools, Iemas garage and central East 5 (CE5) suburbs. The results obtained show metal levels at the robot decrease in the order Pb > Zn > V > Bi > Ni > Li > As > Sn > Co > Cu > Mo > Sb > Hg > Se; at the farm they decrease in the order Pb > Zn > Bi > Li > Sn > As > V > Cu > Mo > Sb > Ni > Co > Cd > Se > Hg; in the township school they decrease in the order Pb > Zn > Cu > Li > V > Sn > As > Ni > Bi > Mo > Sb > Co > Cd > Se > Hg; at the Iemas garage the decreasing order is Pb > Zn > V > Li > Sn > As > Bi > Cu > Ni > Mo > Co > Cd > Se > Hg > Sb and in the CE5 suburb the decreasing order is Pb > Zn > V > Li > As > Cu > Sn > Ni> Mo > Co > Bi > Cd > Sb > Se > Hg. In all the sample points, the levels of lead (Pb) was found to be high, particularly at the farm and the township school area. However, the concentrations of all other metals at all the sampling points were within the US-EPA maximum allowable limits.
Quantitative trait loci approach to the genetics of sleep in recombinant inbred mice

Sleep is a complex trait controlled by many genes, the environment, and probably by gene–environment interactions. Among different approaches to the genetics of sleep, analysis of quantitative traits (QTL) has the advantage of being able to detect, along with major genes, minor and/or modifier genes influencing different quantitative aspects of sleep. We have used QTL analysis in two different sets of recombinant inbred (RI) strains and sought for confirmation of several localizations in eight histocompatibility congenic strains. Several QTLs were identified which influenced the amount of vigilance states. In a first RI series (seven strains) the only QTLs identified were those affecting paradoxical sleep (PS), whereas analysis in a second RI series (25 strains) revealed QTLs influencing PS, slow‐wave sleep, and total sleep. Among these, a single QTL on chromosome 5 was associated with all vigilance states, suggesting the presence of a major gene influencing a basic aspect of sleep amount. Search for candidate genes around the identified QTLs indicated several immune related genes that have been implicated in sleep regulation. Transgenic animals carrying loss‐of‐function and/or gain‐of‐function mutations affecting these candidate genes should confirm these findings.
Dose Frequency and Dose Interval Compliance with Multiple Antiepileptic Medications During a Controlled Clinical Trial

Summary: Compliance with medication regimens and clinical trial schedules was evaluated during a study of vigabatrin (VGB), an antiepileptic drug (AED). Medication Event Monitors (MEMS, Aprex Corp., Fremont, CA, U.S.A.) were provided to monitor use of VGB and other AEDs administered to 111 patients at 10 sites. MEMS reports showed the number of doses administered daily, times of doses, and intervals between doses. The 66 patients whose data were evaluable took VGB as prescribed (twice daily, b.i.d.) on 89 ± 7% of days in the clinical trial (mean 189 ± 63 days). However, only 66 ± 24% of doses were taken within the 9‐15‐h dose interval window for twice‐daily dosing, a lower rate than that for dose frequency compliance (p < 0.001). Concomitant medications prescribed b.i. d. (n = 66) (86 ± 11% dose frequency compliance) were taken at lower rates than VGB (p < 0.02). Interval compliance also was lower for concomitant b.i. d. medications (59 ± 26%) than for VGB (p < 0.01). Dose frequency compliance for thrice‐daily (t.i.d.) medications (n = 36) was 80 ± 18 and 40 ± 19% for interval compliance (6–10 h) (both p < 0.0001 vs. VGB). Dose frequency compliance for four times daily (q.i.d.) medications (n = 23) was 80 ± 23 and 33 ± 18% for interval compliance (4–8 h) (both p < 0.0001 vs. VGB). Patients at eight sites did not use MEMS properly, often for practical reasons, voiding including of data for 93 medications (32%) because of noncompliance with the study design to monitor compliance. Medication monitoring showed differences in dose frequency compliance and dose interval compliance between investigational and concomitant medications, as well as study protocol noncompliance, by outpatients in a long‐term clinical trial.