Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diffusion tensor imaging in sporadic and familial (D90A SOD1) forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

BACKGROUND The basis of heterogeneity in the clinical presentation and rate of progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To use diffusion tensor imaging as a measure of axonal pathologic features in vivo in ALS and to compare a homogeneous form of familial ALS (homozygous D90A SOD1 [superoxide dismutase 1]) with sporadic ALS. DESIGN Cross-sectional diffusion tensor imaging study. SETTING Tertiary referral neurology clinic. PATIENTS Twenty patients with sporadic ALS, 6 patients with homozygous D90A SOD1 ALS, and 21 healthy control subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Fractional anisotropy in cerebral white matter. RESULTS Patients with homozygous D90A SOD1 ALS showed less extensive pathologic white matter in motor and extramotor pathways compared with patients with sporadic ALS, despite similar disease severity assessed clinically using a standard functional rating scale. Fractional anisotropy correlated with clinical measures of severity and upper motor neuron involvement. CONCLUSION In vivo diffusion tensor imaging measures demonstrate differences in white matter degeneration between sporadic ALS and a unique familial form of the disease, indicating that genotype influences the distribution of cerebral pathologic features in ALS.
Doubling of muscle carnosine concentration does not improve laboratory 1-hr cycling time-trial performance.

Muscle carnosine loading through chronic oral beta-alanine supplementation has been shown to be effective for short-duration, high-intensity exercise. This randomized, placebo-controlled study explored whether the ergogenic effect of beta-alanine supplementation is also present for longer duration exercise. Subjects (27 well-trained cyclists/triathletes) were supplemented with either beta-alanine or placebo (6.4 g/day) for 6 weeks. Time to completion and physiological variables for a 1-hr cycling time-trial were compared between preand postsupplementation. Muscle carnosine concentration was also assessed via proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after supplementation. Following beta-alanine supplementation, muscle carnosine concentration was increased by 143 ± 151% (mean ± SD; p < .001) in the gastrocnemius and 161 ± 56% (p < .001) in the soleus. Postsupplementation time trial performance was significantly slower in the placebo group (60.6 ± 4.4-63.0 ± 5.4 min; p < .01) and trended toward a slower performance following beta-alanine supplementation (59.8 ± 2.8-61.7 ± 3.0 min; p = .069). We found an increase in lactate/proton concentration ratio following beta-alanine supplementation during the time-trial (209.0 ± 44.0 (beta-alanine) vs. 161.9 ± 54.4 (placebo); p < . 05), indicating that a similar lactate concentration was accompanied by a lower degree of systemic acidosis, even though this acidosis was quite moderate (pH ranging from 7.30 to 7.40). In conclusion, chronic beta-alanine supplementation in well-trained cyclists had a very pronounced effect on muscle carnosine concentration and a moderate attenuating effect on the acidosis associated with lactate accumulation, yet without affecting 1-h time-trial performance under laboratory conditions.
Non-Hebbian Synaptic Plasticity Induced by Repetitive Postsynaptic Action Potentials

Modern theories on memory storage have mainly focused on Hebbian long-term potentiation (LTP), which requires coincident activation of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons for its induction. In addition to Hebbian LTP, the roles of non-Hebbian plasticity have also been predicted by some neuronal network models. However, still only a few pieces of evidence have been presented for the presence of such plasticity. In this study, we show in mouse hippocampal slices that LTP can be induced by postsynaptic repetitive depolarization alone in the absence of presynaptic inputs. The induction was dependent on voltage-dependent calcium channels instead of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), whereas the expression mechanism was shared with conventional NMDAR-dependent LTP. During the potentiation, the amplitude of spontaneous EPSCs was increased, suggesting a novel neuron-wide nature of this form of LTP. Furthermore, we also successfully induced LTP with trains of action potentials, which supported the possible existence of depolarizing pulse-induced LTP in vivo. Based on these findings, we suggest a model in which neuron-wide LTP works in concert with synapse-specific Hebbian plasticity to help information processing in memory formation.
Influenza virus surveillance in Argentina during the 2012 season: antigenic characterization, genetic analysis and antiviral susceptibility

SUMMARY The activity and circulation of influenza viruses in Argentina was studied during 2012 as part of the Argentinean Surveillance for Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses, in the context of Global Influenza Surveillance. The antigenicity and molecular characteristics of haemagglutinins (HA) of circulating influenza A and B viruses were analysed to assess the emergence of virus variants. Susceptibility to oseltamivir and zanamivir was evaluated by enzymatic assay and results were backed-up by sequencing of the neuraminidase (NA) genes. During the 2012 season, influenza virus circulation in Argentina was detected from weeks 24 to 51. The HA sequences of the studied A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype viruses segregated in a different genetic group compared to those identified during the 2009 pandemic, although they were still closely related antigenically to the vaccine virus A/California/07/2009. The HA sequences of the A(H3N2) viruses analysed fell into the A/Victoria/208/2009 clade, genetic group 3C. A mixed circulation of virus variants belonging to B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages was detected, with B/Victoria being dominant. All viruses tested were sensitive to oseltamivir and zanamivir except one. This isolate, an A(H1N1)pdm09 virus possessing the substitution NA-N295S, showed highly reduced inhibition by oseltamivir and reduced inhibition by zanamivir. Virological and epidemiological surveillance remains critical for detection of evolving influenza viruses.
Robotic control of therapeutic device on body surface considering contact force and moment

For ultrasound therapy, e.g. microbubbles delivery, physical contact between therapeutic device and body surface is important. To guarantee the entire contact of the device, we propose a control method considering contact force and reaction moment using a robotic system and sensors. We used a parallel link robot, which has three links and the holder to determine position and angle of the device. First we eliminated self-weight moment of the device using the sensors. Next we established a series of surface contact controls, which consists of (a) initial contact control, (b) balance contact control, and (c) angle restoration control. Then we performed evaluation experiments using soft material and human body. Contacted area was visualized and evaluated with color ink. Convergence time to the desired position and angle was also evaluated while monitoring contact force and moment. We concluded that the determination of appropriate parameters is important and dominant for the quality of the system.
Inter‐Relations of Orthostatic Blood Pressure Change, Aortic Stiffness, and Brain Structure and Function in Young Adults

Background Relations of orthostatic change in blood pressure with brain structure and function have not been studied thoroughly, particularly in younger, healthier individuals. Elucidation of factors that contribute to early changes in brain integrity may lead to development of interventions that delay or prevent cognitive impairment. Methods and Results In a sample of the Framingham Heart Study Third Generation (N=2119; 53% women; mean age±SD, 47±8 years), we assessed orthostatic change in mean arterial pressure (MAP), aortic stiffness (carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity), neuropsychological function, and markers of subclinical brain injury on magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess relations between orthostatic change in MAP and brain structural and neuropsychological outcomes. Greater orthostatic increase in MAP on standing was related to better Trails B‐A performance among participants aged <49 years (β±SE, 0.062±0.029; P=0.031) and among participants with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity <6.9 m/s (β±SE, 0.063±0.026; P=0.016). This relation was not significant among participants who were older or had stiffer aortas. Conversely, greater orthostatic increase in MAP was related to larger total brain volume among older participants (β±SE, 0.065±0.029; P=0.023) and among participants with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity ≥6.9 m/s (β±SE, 0.078±0.031; P=0.011). Conclusions Blunted orthostatic increase in MAP was associated with smaller brain volume among participants who were older or had stiffer aortas and with poorer executive function among persons who were younger or who had more‐elastic aortas. Our findings suggest that the brain is sensitive to orthostatic change in MAP, with results dependent on age and aortic stiffness.
A Novel Thermodynamic Relationship Based on Kramers Theory for Studying Enzyme Kinetics under High Viscosity

In most studies of enzyme kinetics it has been found sufficient to use the classical Transition State Theory (TST) of Eyring and others. This theory was based on the solvent being an ideal dilute substance treated as a heat bath. However, enzymes found in organisms adapted to very low (psychrophiles) and very high (thermophiles) temperatures are also subjected to variable solute concentrations and viscosities. Therefore, the TST may not always be applicable to enzyme reactions carried out in various solvents with viscosities ranging from moderate to very high. There have been numerous advances in the theory of chemical reactions in realistic non‐ideal solvents such as Kramers Theory. In this paper we wish to propose a modified thermodynamic equation, which have contributions from kcat, Km and the viscosity of the medium in which the enzyme reaction is occurring. These could be very useful for determining the thermodynamics of enzymes catalyzing reactions at temperature extremes in the presence of substrate solutions of different compositions and viscosities. IUBMB Life, 56: 403‐407, 2004
How to Use the School Survey of Practices Associated with High Performance. REL 2016-162.

This report describes and explains how to use the School Survey of Practices Associated with High Performance, which measures the degree to which schools are engaging in practices associated with high performance. State education departments and school districts can use the survey results to identify and describe school practices associated with high performance, compare practices across school subgroups, target schools for specific interventions, and design interventions. The survey, designed to be taken by teachers and school administrators, measures practices in the domains of effective leadership, strong curriculum, professional development, school culture, and ongoing data use for school improvement. The survey has undergone psychometric validation. The report also includes the survey and describes its development and validation.
Characterisation of recently emerged multiple antibiotic-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium DT104 and other multiresistant phage types from Danish pig herds

A total of 670 isolates of Salmonella enterica were isolated from Danish pig herds, phage typed and tested for susceptibility to amoxycillin + clavulanate, ampicillin, colistin, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, neomycin, spectinomycin, streptomycin, tetracyclines, and trimethoprim + sulphadiazine. S enterica serovar typhimurium (S typhimurium) isolates resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline and three isolates of S typhimurium DT104, two from 1994 and one from 1995, were further tested for resistance against chloramphenicol and sulphonamide and analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using the restriction enzyme Xba I. Overall, 66 per cent of the 670 isolates were sensitive to all the antimicrobial agents tested. Eleven isolates of S typhimurium were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline and also resistant to other antibiotics in different resistance patterns. Seven different multiresistant clones were identified. The most common clones were four isolates of DT104 and three isolates of DT193. Two of the three S typhimurium DT104 from 1994 and 1995 were sensitive to all the antimicrobials tested whereas the remaining isolate from 1994 was resistant to spectinomycin, streptomycin and sulphonamides. All three isolates showed PFGE profiles identical to the four multiresistant DT104 isolates. Compared with most other countries antimicrobial resistance among S enterica isolated from Danish pig herds is uncommon. However, several different multiresistant clones were found.
Single-Cell Imaging of HIV-1 Provirus (SCIP)

Recent advances in fluorescence microscopy provided tools for the investigation and the analysis of the viral replication steps in the cellular context. In the HIV field, the current visualization systems successfully achieve the fluorescent labeling of the viral envelope and proteins, but not the genome. Here, we developed a system able to visualize the proviral DNA of HIV-1 through immunofluorescence detection of repair foci for DNA double-strand breaks specifically induced in the viral genome by the heterologous expression of the I-SceI endonuclease. The system for Single-Cell Imaging of HIV-1 Provirus, named SCIP, provides the possibility to individually track integrated-viral DNA within the nuclei of infected cells. In particular, SCIP allowed us to perform a topological analysis of integrated viral DNA revealing that HIV-1 preferentially integrates in the chromatin localized at the periphery of the nuclei.
Exploring Style Herding by Mutual Funds

This paper studies the added value of intentional style herding for mutual fund managers. We find that herding in styles is significant and persistent, especially for active funds. We also report that herding tends to increase after periods of high market volatility, and decrease with sentiment. Furthermore, herding causes temporary mispricing and changes in the autocorrelation structure of factor returns. Importantly, we find that herding increases mutual funds' performance, whereas it reduces flows. Overall, the results illustrate that although herding can be beneficial for the fund manager, its potential has not yet been reached.
Game Theoretic Max-logit Learning Approaches for Joint Base Station Selection and Resource Allocation in Heterogeneous Networks

This paper investigates the problem of joint base station selection and resource allocation in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) heterogeneous cellular network. The original throughput maximization problem is NP-hard and we propose solving it by using game theoretic stochastic learning approaches. To this end, we first transform the original problem into a tractable form, which has a weighted utility function. Then we prove that an exact potential game applies and it exists the best Nash equilibria which is a near optimal solution of the original problem when an efficient solution method of the weights is employed. To obtain the optimal solution, we redesign the utility function by leveraging a state space to formulate the original problem into an ordinal state based potential game, which is proved that it exists a recurrent state equilibrium point that maximizes system throughput. Furthermore, we propose two different variants of Max-logit learning algorithm based on these two games respectively: one is a simultaneous learning algorithm with less information exchange, which achieves the best Nash equilibria point of the exact potential game and the other is an efficient learning algorithm for the ordinal state based potential game, which can converge to the global optimization solution. Finally, numerical results are given to validate that theoretical findings.
Effects of cost metric on cost‐effectiveness of protected‐area network design in urban landscapes

A common goal in conservation planning is to acquire areas that are critical to realizing biodiversity goals in the most cost‐effective manner. The way monetary acquisition costs are represented in such planning is an understudied but vital component to realizing cost efficiencies. We sought to design a protected‐area network within a forested urban region that would protect 17 birds of conservation concern. We compared the total costs and spatial structure of the optimal protected‐area networks produced using three acquisition‐cost surrogates (area, agricultural land value, and tax‐assessed land value). Using the tax‐assessed land values there was a 73% and 78% cost savings relative to networks derived using area or agricultural land value, respectively. This cost reduction was due to the considerable heterogeneity in acquisition costs revealed in tax‐assessed land values, especially for small land parcels, and the corresponding ability of the optimization algorithm to identify lower‐cost parcels for inclusion that had equal value to our target species. Tax‐assessed land values also reflected the strong spatial differences in acquisition costs (US$0.33/m2–$55/m2) and thus allowed the algorithm to avoid inclusion of high‐cost parcels when possible. Our results add to a nascent but growing literature that suggests conservation planners must consider the cost surrogate they use when designing protected‐area networks. We suggest that choosing cost surrogates that capture spatial‐ and size‐dependent heterogeneity in acquisition costs may be relevant to establishing protected areas in urbanizing ecosystems.
Genomic cloning and promoter analysis of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, MIP-1 alpha, and MIP-1 beta, members of the chemokine superfamily of proinflammatory cytokines.

Macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, MIP-1 alpha, and MIP-1 beta all belong to the newly recognized "chemokine" superfamily of structurally related, activation-inducible cytokines with inflammatory and growth regulatory activities. We report the isolation and sequencing of genomic clones for murine MIP-2 and murine MIP-1 beta, and analyze their regulatory sequences in comparison with each other and with several other members of the chemokine family. The murine (mu)MIP-2 genomic clone displays the canonical four exon/three intron structure typical of other genes in the chemokine alpha subfamily (e.g., IL-8). Potential cis regulatory elements in the proximal promoter region were highly conserved between muMIP-2 and its three most closely related human homologs: human (hu)GRO-alpha, huGRO-beta, and huGRO-gamma. A mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, was transfected with a growth hormone reporter construct driven by a proximal fragment of the muMIP-2 5' promoter, and nested deletion mutant analysis localized the LPS responsive element to a region that contains a conserved NF kappa B consensus motif and lies 51 to 70 bp 5' from the transcription start site. In contrast to that of MIP-2, the muMIP-1 beta genomic clone exhibited the three exon/two intron structure characteristic of the chemokine beta family members (e.g., MCP-1). A comparison of the promoters for muMIP-1 beta and muMIP-1 alpha reveals a conserved CK-1 element, but transient expression studies in RAW 264.7 macrophages with proximal fragments of either the muMIP-1 beta or the muMIP-1 alpha 5' promoter fused to a human growth hormone reporter gene link LPS-inducibility in both to promoter segments near to, but not identical with, the consensus CK-1 sequence. Proximal 5' promoter fragments cloned from both the MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta genes unexpectedly conferred constitutive expression on the fused reporter gene sequences in macrophage-like cells, but initial 5' deletion analysis did not link this responsiveness to known sequence motifs. The muMIP-1 beta promoter, but not the muMIP-1 alpha promoter, was constitutively active in B16 mouse melanoma cells, and both promoters were active in the myelomonocytic cell line WEHI 3B(A)d-, the muMIP-1 alpha promoter being three times stronger.
Seasonal‐longitudinal variation of substorm occurrence frequency: Evidence for ionospheric control

Based on 2760 well‐defined substorm onsets in the northern hemisphere and 1432 in the southern hemisphere observed by the FUV (Far Ultraviolet) Imager on board IMAGE (Imager for Magnetosphere‐to‐Aurora Global Exploration) spacecraft, a statistical study is performed for both hemispheres. The main emphasis is put on a possible dependence of the substorm occurrence frequency on season and longitude (S/L). It was found that around December solstice UT noon‐time and around June solstice UT nighttimes are more favorable for substorms to occur. The occurrence frequency varies by a factor of 2. The sum of ionospheric Pedersen conductances of both hemispheres caused by solar illumination in the nightside auroral regions can account for the S/L dependence. Lower total conductivity seems to reduce the trigger level. We find that the IMF threshold for initiating a substorm is on average lower during favorable times, thus, substorms can occur more frequently.
Abnormal NMDA receptor function exacerbates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Glutamate transmission is dysregulated in both multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. A characteristic of EAE is increased glutamate transmission associated with up‐regulation of AMPA receptors. However, little is known about the role of NMDA receptors in the synaptic modifications induced by EAE.
SufR Coordinates Two [4Fe-4S]2+, 1+ Clusters and Functions as a Transcriptional Repressor of the sufBCDS Operon and an Autoregulator of sufR in Cyanobacteria*

The sufR gene encodes a protein that functions as a transcriptional repressor of the suf regulon in cyanobacteria. It is predicted to contain an N-terminal helix loop helix DNA binding motif and a C-terminal Fe/S binding domain. Through immunoblotting assays of cell extracts, the sufR product in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was shown to have a mass of ∼25 kDa. This indicates that the second ATG in the open reading frame is the correct start codon and that sufR encodes a protein of 216 amino acids (SufR216) rather than the originally predicted 240 amino acids. Recombinant SufR harbored [4Fe-4S]2+, 1+ 216 clusters, which were present in a mixture of S = 1/2 and 3/2 ground spin states, and the holoprotein was a homodimer, containing 3.7 of non-heme irons and 3.5 labile sulfides per monomer. Thus, two [4Fe-4S]2+, 1+ clusters are coordinated by each SufR216 homodimer. SufR216 bound to two DNA sequences in the regulatory region between the divergently transcribed sufR gene and the sufBCDS operon, and its binding affinity depended on the presence and redox state of the [4Fe-4S]2+, 1+ clusters. A high affinity binding site, which controls sufBCDS expression, and a low affinity binding site, which controls sufR expression, were identified. The SufR binding sites, which are separated by 26 base pairs, each contain a perfect inverted repeat, CAAC-N6-GTTG, and are highly conserved in cyanobacteria. The Fe/S protein SufR thus functions both as a transcriptional repressor of the sufBCDS operon and as an autoregulator of sufR.