Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loss of Homeostasis in the Direct Pathway in a Mouse Model of Asymptomatic Parkinson's Disease

The characteristic slowness of movement in Parkinson's disease relates to an imbalance in the activity of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the direct (dMSNs) and indirect (iMSNs) pathways. However, it is still unclear whether this imbalance emerges during the asymptomatic phase of the disease or if it correlates with symptom severity. Here, we have used in vivo juxtacellular recordings and transgenic mice showing MSN-type-specific expression of fluorescent proteins to examine striatal imbalance after lesioning dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra. Multivariate clustering analysis of behavioral data discriminated 2 groups of dopamine-lesioned mice: asymptomatic (42 ± 7% dopaminergic neuron loss) and symptomatic (85 ± 5% cell loss). Contrary to the view that both pathways have similar gain in control conditions, dMSNs respond more intensely than iMSNs to cortical inputs in control animals. Importantly, asymptomatic mice show significant functional disconnection of dMSNs from motor cortex without changes in iMSN connectivity. Moreover, not only the gain but also the timing of the pathways is altered in symptomatic parkinsonism, where iMSNs fire significantly more and earlier than dMSNs. Therefore, cortical drive to dMSNs decreases after partial nigrostriatal lesions producing no behavioral impairment, but additional alterations in the gain and timing of iMSNs characterize symptomatic rodent parkinsonism. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Prevailing models of Parkinson's disease state that motor symptoms arise from an imbalance in the activity of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) from the direct (dMSNs) and indirect (iMSNs) pathways. Therefore, it is hypothesized that symptom severity and the magnitude of this imbalanced activity are correlated. Using a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, we found that behaviorally undetectable nigrostriatal lesions induced a significant disconnection of dMSNs from the motor cortex. In contrast, iMSNs show an increased connectivity with the motor cortex, but only after a severe dopaminergic lesion associated with an evident parkinsonian syndrome. Overall, our data suggest that the lack of symptoms after a partial dopaminergic lesion is not due to compensatory mechanisms maintaining the activity of both striatal pathways balanced.
An Empirical Research on Technostress Creators and End-User Performance: the Mediating Roles of Affective Attitudes

With the widespread use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in organizations, ICTs have become a crucial part of daily work. However, although the implementation of ICTs in organizations has greatly improved the production efficiency and quality, negative outcomes, such as stress, have arisen as well. Stress induced by ICTs in work-specific contexts is termed technostress. This paper theorizes the mediating effects of affective attitudes toward the use of ICTs on the relationship between technostress creators (the independent variable) and end-user performance (the dependent variable). The possible contributions of this paper include: 1) theoretically, the mediating effect of affective attitudes between technostress creators and end-user performance are examined to complement the technostress research model; 2) practically, those interventions found to influence the mediating variables may be used to promote the end-user performance if the mediating effect is significant. The findings of our study may open new door to more cost-effective and powerful solutions for improving the ICTs use effectiveness.
Current trends in hardware and software for brain–computer interfaces (BCIs)

A brain–computer interface (BCI) provides a non-muscular communication channel to people with and without disabilities. BCI devices consist of hardware and software. BCI hardware records signals from the brain, either invasively or non-invasively, using a series of device components. BCI software then translates these signals into device output commands and provides feedback. One may categorize different types of BCI applications into the following four categories: basic research, clinical/translational research, consumer products, and emerging applications. These four categories use BCI hardware and software, but have different sets of requirements. For example, while basic research needs to explore a wide range of system configurations, and thus requires a wide range of hardware and software capabilities, applications in the other three categories may be designed for relatively narrow purposes and thus may only need a very limited subset of capabilities. This paper summarizes technical aspects for each of these four categories of BCI applications. The results indicate that BCI technology is in transition from isolated demonstrations to systematic research and commercial development. This process requires several multidisciplinary efforts, including the development of better integrated and more robust BCI hardware and software, the definition of standardized interfaces, and the development of certification, dissemination and reimbursement procedures.
A chimeric siderophore halts swarming Vibrio.

Some bacteria swarm under some circumstances; they move rapidly and collectively over a surface. In an effort to understand the molecular signals controlling swarming, we isolated two bacterial strains from the same red seaweed, Vibrio alginolyticus B522, a vigorous swarmer, and Shewanella algae B516, which inhibits V. alginolyticus swarming in its vicinity. Plate assays combined with NMR, MS, and X-ray diffraction analyses identified a small molecule, which was named avaroferrin, as a potent swarming inhibitor. Avaroferrin, a previously unreported cyclic dihydroxamate siderophore, is a chimera of two well-known siderophores: putrebactin and bisucaberin. The sequenced genome of S. algae revealed avaroferrin's biosynthetic gene cluster to be a mashup of putrebactin and bisucaberin biosynthetic genes. Avaroferrin blocks swarming through its ability to bind iron in a form that cannot be pirated by V. alginolyticus, thereby securing this essential resource for its producer.
Identification of Conserved Amino Acids in the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 UL8 Protein Required for DNA Synthesis and UL52 Primase Interaction in the Virus Replisome*

Background: The herpes simplex virus replisome is composed of seven proteins encoded by the virus. Results: Analyses of hybrid replisomes revealed species-specific interactions, and mutagenesis of UL8 identified amino acids required for DNA synthesis and UL52 primase interaction. Conclusion: The herpesvirus replisome is a conserved molecular machine with species-specific interactions. Significance: This work provides functional and mechanistic insights into herpesvirus replication. We have used oriS-dependent transient replication assays to search for species-specific interactions within the herpes simplex virus replisome. Hybrid replisomes derived from herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) failed to support DNA replication in cells. Moreover, the replisomes showed a preference for their cognate origin of replication. The results demonstrate that the herpesvirus replisome behaves as a molecular machine relying on functionally important interactions. We then searched for functional interactions in the replisome context by subjecting HSV-1 UL8 protein to extensive mutagenesis. 52 mutants were made by replacing single or clustered charged amino acids with alanines. Four mutants showed severe replication defects. Mutant A23 exhibited a lethal phenotype, and mutants A49, A52 and A53 had temperature-sensitive phenotypes. Mutants A49 and A53 did not interact with UL52 primase as determined by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Using GFP-tagged UL8, we demonstrate that all mutants were unable to support formation of ICP8-containing nuclear replication foci. Extended mutagenesis suggested that a highly conserved motif corresponding to mutant A49 serves an important role for establishing a physical contact between UL8 and UL52. The replication-defective mutations affected conserved amino acids, and similar phenotypes were observed when the corresponding mutations were introduced into EHV-1 UL8.
Spontaneous Enhancement of Packing Regularity of Spherical Microdomains in the Body-Centered Cubic Lattice upon Uniaxial Stretching of Elastomeric Triblock Copolymers

Block copolymers forming glassy spheres in the matrix of rubbery chains can exhibit elastomeric properties. It is well known that the spherical microdomains are arranged in the body-center cubic (bcc) lattice. However, recently, we have found packing in the face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice, which is easily transformed into the bcc lattice upon uniaxial stretching. In the same time, the packing regularity of the spheres in the bcc lattice was found to be enhanced for samples completely recovered from the stretched state. This reminds us that a cycle of stretching-and-releasing plays an important role from analogy of densification of the packing in granules upon shaking. In the current paper, we quantify the enhancement of packing regularity of spherical microdomains in the bcc lattice upon uniaxial stretching of the same elastomeric triblock copolymer as used in our previous work by conducting small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements using high brilliant synchrotron radiation. Isotropically circular rings of the lattice peaks observed for the unstretched sample turned into deformed ellipsoidal rings upon the uniaxial stretching, with sharpening of the peaks in the direction parallel to the stretching direction and almost disappearing of the peaks in the perpendicular direction. By quantitatively analyzing the SAXS results, it was found that the packing regularity of the spherical microdomains was enhanced in the parallel direction while it was spoiled in the perpendicular direction under the stretched state. The enhanced regularity of packing was unchanged even if the stretching load was completely removed.
Future thought and behaviour change

While there is a growing body of research on free thoughts such as fantasies and daydreams, the question of whether and how fantasies lead to effortful action and successful performance has hardly been investigated. The present article will show that, counter to what the popular self-help literature proposes, positive thinking can be detrimental to effort and success if it comes in the form of fantasies (free thoughts and images about the desired future) rather than beliefs (expectations). The article will then discuss fantasy realisation theory (FRT), which specifies how fantasies can be used to wisely self-regulate goal pursuit. The theory argues that the strategy of mental contrasting future and reality will produce both active goal pursuit and active goal disengagement, depending on a person's high versus low expectations of success, respectively. Research supporting these ideas across life domains points to non-conscious cognitive and motivational processes responsible for the effects of mental contrasting, and it depicts context variables (e.g., sad mood) that influence the rise and usage of mental contrasting. Intervention studies attest to mental contrasting as a content-free, time- and cost-effective metacognitive strategy that people can use to regulate their own goal pursuits in an autonomous way, thus helping people to become masters of their everyday life and long-term development.
Comparison of different counting chambers using a computer-assisted semen analyzer

Abstract A routine computer-assisted sperm analysis is an important diagnostic test in the andrology laboratory. To evaluate the accuracy and precision of the different types of counting chambers for human semen analysis in combination with a computer-assisted semen analyzer (CASA), a quality-control study that compared human sperm analysis results obtained using different counting chambers (Makler chamber, disposable 8-cell GoldCyto chamber, disposable 4-cell Leja chamber, a plain glass slide, and a tissue culture dish cover with a 24 × 24 mm2 coverslip) in conjunction with the CASA systems was performed. Significantly higher counts of sperm concentration were obtained from the reusable Makler chamber than from the other counting chambers. Sperm motility from drop loaded counting chambers was significantly higher than that of capillary-loaded chambers. A plain glass slide and a tissue culture dish cover used with a coverslip showed rather better performance in semen assessment. Disposable chambers are suitable for routine semen analysis with CASA in a diagnostic andrology setting. With the proper workflow and quality control, a plain glass slide and the tissue culture dish cover are acceptable alternatives for routine counting chambers with CASA as necessary. The type of counting chamber should be specified in test reports.
Deglycosylation of Liquiritin Strongly Enhances its Inhibitory Potential Towards UDP‐Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) Isoforms

The detailed mechanisms on licorice–drug interaction remain to be unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate the inhibition of important UGT isoforms by two important ingredients of licorice, liquiritin, and liquiritigenin. The results showed that liquiritigenin exhibited stronger inhibition towards all the tested UGT isoforms than liquiritin. Data fitting using Dixon and Lineweaver–Burk plots demonstrated the competitive inhibition of liquiritigenin towards UGT1A1 and UGT1A9‐mediated 4‐MU glucuronidation reaction. The inhibition kinetic parameters (Ki) were calculated to be 9.1 and 3.2 μM for UGT1A1 and UGT1A9, respectively. Substrate‐dependent inhibition behaviour was also observed for UGT1A1 in the present study. All these results will be helpful for understanding the deep mechanism of licorice–drug interaction. However, when translating these in vitro parameters into in vivo situations, more complex factors should be considered, such as substrate‐dependent inhibition of UGT isoforms, the contribution of UGT1A1 and UGT1A9 towards the metabolism of drugs, and many factors affecting the abundance of ingredients in the licorice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
π Ligands in Alkaline Earth Complexes

π ligands such as olefins and alkynes bind intramolecularly to the metal atom in d0 complexes of the large alkaline earths (Ae) calcium and strontium supported by fluoroalkoxo ligands with dangling unsaturated C═C or C≡C bonds, and having the amide N(SiMe2H)2– as the coligand. These O-bridged dinuclear complexes are further stabilized by secondary C–F→Ae and β-Si–H···Ae interactions. In a set of structurally related Ca-olefin complexes, the strength of these interactions gradually increases as the coordination of the olefin onto Ca2+ becomes weaker (from η2-coordinated to η1 to fully dissociated) upon increasing steric congestion, thus ensuring that overwhelming electronic depletion does not occur at calcium. NMR data imply that the olefins are metal-bound in [D8]toluene solutions. The Ae···Cπ, C–F→Ae, and β-Si–H···Ae noncovalent interactions are also strong in the parent Ae-alkyne complexes, the first examples of non-acetylide Ae-alkynes compounds. Calcium-arene complexes could not be made, as the aromat.
INITIAL H IN OLD ENGLISH

It is generally accepted that the symbol h in the initial Position before a vowel has been unstable throughout the history of written English. Murray in the entry on H in the O. E.D. stated: "During the Middle-English period, and down to the 17th c. , we find numerous instances of the non-etymological absence or (more often) presence of initial h in native words". Murray cited two reasons for this, one Orthographie, the other phonological: firstly, h was being gradually reinstated in the spelling of French loanwords during this period in imitation of their spelling in Classical Latin and the resulting confusion over the correct use of Aspread to native words; secondly, there was the influence of dialectal speech habits, since "in many English dialects. the aspirate has disappeared äs an ordinary etymological element, and is now employed only with other functions, viz. to avoid hiatus. and especially in the emphatic or energetic utterance of a syllable with an initial vowel". Murray's cominents on the h problem were published in 1901; in the same year Skeat published his study of Anglo-French influence on English, in which he ignored the influence of native pronunciation of A-words and stated firmly that uncertainty over the use of A in carly ME tcxts was one clear sign of Norman influence. Skeat's evidence was too vague, and in 1914 Willy Schlemilch published a more detailed study based on a thorough survey of the texts of the eleventh and twelfth Century transition period. On A, Schlemilch
The determinants of livestock prices in Niger

Not only does livestock make an important contribution to rural incomes and export earnings in the Sahel, it is also kept as insurance against weather risk. Fluctuations in livestock prices can therefore trigger food entitlement failures. Using monthly price data from Niger, we show that livestock prices respond to droughts and pasture availability. They are also exposed to aggregate shifts in export revenues and meat demand that affect Niger and its southern neighbor Nigeria. These shifts add an important element of risk to the livelihood of Sahelian farmers and pastoralists. Famine early-warning systems should keep an eye not only on weather shocks but also on macroeconomic conditions and other factors affecting the livestock economy. Copyright 1997 by Oxford University Press.
Association of life events and psychological distress in family caregivers of dementia patients

Relationships between life events and psychological distress were investigated for 197 dementia caregivers and 218 non-caregivers. Participants indicated which events on the Louisville Older Persons Events Scale they had experienced over the past six months. Life events were then classified as associated or unassociated with care-giving using differences in incidence rates between caregivers and non-caregivers. Primary care-giving stressors and associated life events were most predictive of psychological distress among caregivers. Among non-caregivers, unassociated negative life events were the strongest predictors of depression and life satisfaction. Implications for the assessment of life events and caregiver interventions are discussed.
The Effect of 3D Virtual Learning Environment on Secondary School Third Grade Students' Attitudes toward Mathematics.

With this research, in Second Life environment which is a three dimensional online virtual world, it is aimed to reveal the effects of student attitudes toward mathematics courses and design activities which will enable the third grade students of secondary school (primary education seventh grade) to see the 3D objects in mathematics courses in a concrete way, access the information outside of the school and provide them with an education through games. In order to achieve this aim, this research was carried out with 28 secondary school third grade students having their education in Istanbul province, Uskudar district, in Fatih Secondary School in 2014-2015 academic year. Research data was collected by Mathematics Attitude Scale which is prepared by Ministry of Education. The data collected in the research, analyzed with nonparametric statistical methods as the group number is less than 30. In order to compare the pretest and posttest total scores of the experiment group, Wilcoxon signed rank test, which is considered appropriate to be used in relational measuring, was used and quantity analysis of the research was carried out by “SPSS 21 for MacOS X” package program. Wilcoxon signed rank test results related to whether the students’ pre-experimental and post-experimental attitudes towards mathematics have a significant difference or not, is shown on the table. The analysis result has shown that there is a significant difference between the students’pre-experiment and post-experiment scores, taken from Mathematics Attitude Scale (z=2.95, p<.05). When the mean rank and rank sums of the difference scores are taken into account, this difference is in favor of positive rank,namely in favor of post-test score. According to these results, it can be stated that Mathematics robot developed in Second Life environment has an important effect on students’ attitude towards mathematics.
THE SYDNEY FUNNEL‐WEB SPIDER (ATRAX ROBUSTOS): III. THE NEUTRALIZATION OF VENOM BY HÆMOLYMPH

type directed against the major antigens of the strain of original infection, and it is possible that in the recall mechanism the original antigenic stimulus may preempt the antibody-forming sites and limit the response to new infiuenza-virus antigens. When therefore a new antigenic strain appears in the population, antibody response in infected individuals will be impeded by this preemption, and the exhibition of a polyvalent vaccine at such a time will enhance this preemption by further stimulating the antibody-recall mechanism of previous infection or vaccination, to the detriment of the formation of the antibody specific to the new antigen.
Worldwide childhood type 1 diabetes incidence – what can we learn from epidemiology?

Abstract: Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in most part of the world, although reliable data are still unavailable in several countries. Wide variations exist between the incidence rates of different populations, incidence is lowest in China and Venezuela (0.1 per 100 000 per year) and highest in Finland and Sardinia (37 per 100 000 per year). In most populations girls and boys are equally affected. In general, the incidence increases with age, the incidence peak is at puberty. After the pubertal years, the incidence rate significantly drops in young women, but remains relatively high in young adult males up to the age 29–35 years. Prospective national and large international registries (DIAMOND and EURODIAB) demonstrated an increasing trend in incidence in most regions of the world over the last few decades and increases seem to be the highest in the youngest age group. Analytical epidemiological studies have identified environmental risk factors operating early in life which might have contributed to the increasing trend in incidence. These include enteroviral infections in pregnant women, older maternal age (39–42 years), preeclampsia, cesarean section delivery, increased birthweight, early introduction of cow’s milk proteins and an increased rate of postnatal growth (weight and height). Optimal vitamin D supplementation during early life has been shown to be protective. Some of these environmental risk factors such as viruses may initiate autoimmunity toward the beta cell, other exposures may put on overload on the already affected beta cell and thus accelerate the disease process.