Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
White Matter Lesions, Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Dementia

The authors performed quantitative and qualitative image analysis on a sample of the elderly population of Cache County, Utah, relating neuroimaging findings to Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores and the presence of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele. Neuroimaging measures included white, gray, and hippocampal volumes; a ventricle-to-brain ratio (VBR); and qualitative ratings of white matter lesions (WMLs) in the periventricular (PV) and centrum semiovale (CS) regions. Subjects included 85 persons with possible and probable Alzheimer disease (AD), 21 with vascular dementia (VaD), 30 with cognitive symptoms classified as mild/ambiguous (M/A), a heterogenous group of 39 non-AD or VaD subjects but diagnosed with some form of neuropsychiatric disorder (“Mixed Neuropsychiatric” group), and 20 normal control subjects aged 65 years or older. Controlling for age, sex, and length of disease, the authors found that AD and VaD subjects differed significantly from control subjects on WMLs, but only the VaD subjects significantly differed from M/A subjects. The two dementia groups also displayed, as expected, significant cerebral atrophy. The WMLs generally increased with age and severity of dementia. PV WMLs were significantly but only modestly associated with white matter volume loss and greater impairment on the MMSE. Modest correlations were also present between the quantitative measures of cerebral structure and MMSE performance. However, when degree of cerebral atrophy was controlled by using the VBR measure, WML effects on MMSE performance became nonsignificant, with the only significant relationship remaining being that between hippocampal volume and MMSE performance. There were no significant qualitative or quantitative findings related to presence of the ε4 allele and MMSE performance. The role of WMLs in aging and dementia is discussed.
An Advanced SVPWM-Based Predictive Current Controller for Three-Phase Inverters in Distributed Generation Systems

Space vector pulsewidth modulation (SVPWM) has been widely applied in the current control of three-phase voltage source inverters (VSIs). However, for grid-connected VSIs in distributed generation (DG) systems, the performance of current controllers based on SVPWM is compromised by the grid harmonics and the control delay due to computation and sampling. In this paper, an advanced SVPWM-based predictive current controller is proposed and studied. The controller mimics deadbeat control in the synchronous d-q reference frame, and is very simple and robust to implement. With the necessary grid voltage detection in DG systems for protection, grid harmonics disturbance is effectively suppressed through feedforward compensation. Based on a dual-timer sampling scheme, the control delay compensation becomes more simple yet effective. The comprehensive analysis on the proposed predictive current control system is provided. The simulation and experimental test results show that the proposed current controller has an excellent steady-state response as well as an extremely fast dynamic response.
Self-Enforcing Power Sharing in Weak States

Abstract Power sharing, in which elites from rival societal groups agree to share control of the central government, is a key source of domestic peace, enabling states to escape devastating cycles of exclusion and civil war. Yet the conditions giving rise to inclusive governance are not well understood. In contrast to existing scholarship that emphasizes the importance of external third-party mediation or strong formal institutions, we point to the structural roots of power sharing in which political inclusion stems from the distribution of societal power and the balance of threat capabilities it produces. Only when both the ruling group and a given rival group possess strong mobilizational capabilities, such that each could credibly threaten to recapture state power if excluded from the central government, does self-enforcing power sharing emerge. A strong rival induces the ruler to commit to power sharing and to reluctantly accept coup risk over civil war risk. The ruling group's own threat capabilities, in turn, constrain rivals from trying to convert their share of power into absolute power. Supported by extensive quantitative and qualitative evidence with particular reference to weak states in sub-Saharan Africa, we shed light on the conditions under which the distribution of violence within a state underwrites a peaceful and productive equilibrium. In doing so, we rethink how scholars approach the study of civil war. Rather than conceiving of it in terms of effective resistance, we model civil war as a contest for state power shaped by groups’ capabilities to project force in the capital.
Association of Helicobacter pylori dupA With the Failure of Primary Eradication

Goals: To determine whether the presence of dupA Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) influences the cure rate of primary eradication therapy. Background: Several virulence factors of H. pylori have been reported to affect the efficacy of the eradication rate. However, no study has investigated whether the presence of dupA affects eradication failure. Study: The presence of dupA was evaluated in 142 H. pylori strains isolated from 142 patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Of these patients, 104 received primary eradication therapy for 1 week. The risk factors for eradication failure were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Among 142 strains, 44 (31.0%) were dupA positive. There was no association between dupA status and gastroduodenal diseases (P>0.05). The clarithromycin (CLR) resistance rate was generally lower in the dupA-positive than in the dupA-negative group (20.4% vs. 35.7%, P=0.06). However, dupA prevalence was higher in the eradication failure group than in the success group (36.3% vs. 21.9%). Among the CLR-resistant H. pylori infected group, the successful eradication rate was significantly lower in patients infected with dupA-positive H. pylori than dupA-negative H. pylori (P=0.04). In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and type of disease, not only CLR resistance but also dupA presence was independent risk factors for eradication failure (adjusted odds ratio=3.71; 95% confidence interval,1.07-12.83). Conclusions: Although CLR resistant was more reliable predictor, the presence of dupA may also be an independent risk factor for eradication failure.
Algorithmic Solution of Arithmetic Problems and Operands-Answer Associations in Long-Term Memory

Many developmental models of arithmetic problem solving assume that any algorithmic solution of a given problem results in an association of the two operands and the answer in memory (Logan & Klapp, 1991; Siegler, 1996). In this experiment, adults had to perform either an operation or a comparison on the same pairs of two-digit numbers and then a recognition task. It is shown that unlike comparisons, the algorithmic solution of operations impairs the recognition of operands in adults. Thus, the postulate of a necessary and automatic storage of operands-answer associations in memory when young children solve additions by algorithmic strategies needs to be qualified.
Measurement of hepatic arterial flow using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging

Flow measurements through the hepatic artery were performed using retrospectively gated phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging in 22 patients. In 13 patients where three consecutive measurements of hepatic arterial flow were made, the average intra-subject coefficient of variation was 10.0% (range 2.7–21.2%). The measured blood flow was significantly higher in the eight patients where it was expected that there would be a high hepatic arterial flow compared to nine patients where it was expected that there would be a normal hepatic arterial flow based on the patients pathology (435 ml min−1 versus 235 ml min−1, difference = 200 ml min−1, 95% confidence intervals on difference = 73–327 ml min−1, p < 0.05, independent t-test). Phase correction was performed by fitting a quadratic surface to stationary tissue. The average blood flow correction due to phase correction was 6.3% (20.9 ml min−1) with a range of 0.8% (1 ml min−1) to 15.0% (70.0 ml min−1). Flow measurements through the hepatic artery can be performed, but care must be taken to minimize pixel size and localize accurately.
Best-Link Matching of Scottish Health Data Sets

Abstract: Methods are described used to link the Community Health Index and the National Health Service Central Register (NHSCR) in Scotland to provide a basis for a national patient index. The linkage used a combination of deterministic and probability matching techniques. A best-link principle was used by which each Community Health Index record was allowed to link only to the NHSCR record with which it achieved the highest match weight. This strategy, applied in the context of two files which each covered virtually the entire population of Scotland, increased the accuracy of linkage approximately a thousand-fold compared with the likely results of a less structured probability matching approach. By this means, 98.8% of linkable records were linked automatically with a sufficient degree of confidence for administrative purposes.
Molecular mechanism of HIV‐1 integrase–vDNA interactions and strand transfer inhibitor action: A molecular modeling perspective

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) integrase (IN) is an essential enzyme for splicing a viral DNA (vDNA) replica of its genome into host cell chromosomal DNA (hDNA) and has been recently recognized as a promising therapeutic target for developing anti‐AIDS agents. The interaction between HIV‐1 IN and vDNA plays an important role in the integration process of the virus. However, a detailed understanding about the mechanism of this interactions as well as the action of the anti‐HIV drug raltegravir (RAL, approved by FDA in 2007) targeting HIV‐1 IN in the inhibition of the vDNA strand transfer is still absent. In the present work, a molecular modeling study by combining homology modeling, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM‐PBSA), and molecular mechanics Generalized‐Born surface area (MM‐GBSA) calculations was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism of HIV‐1 IN–vDNA interactions and the inhibition action of vDNA strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) RAL. The structural analysis showed that RAL did not influence the interaction between vDNA and HIV‐1 IN, but rather targeted a special conformation of HIV‐1 IN to compete with host DNA and block the function of HIV‐1 IN by forcing the 3′‐OH of the terminal A17 nucleotide away from the three catalytic residues (Asp64, Asp116, and Glu152) and two Mg2+ ions. Thus, the obtained results could be helpful for understanding of the integration process of the HIV‐1 virus and provide some new clues for the rational design and discovery of potential compounds that would specifically block HIV‐1 virus replication. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Variability of serial lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 measurements in post myocardial infarction patients: results from the AIRGENE Study Center Augsburg.

BACKGROUND Of the numerous emerging biomarkers for coronary heart disease (CHD), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)), an enzyme involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways, seems to be a promising candidate. Implementation of Lp-PLA(2) measurement into clinical practice, however, requires data on the reliability of such measurements. METHODS We measured Lp-PLA(2) concentrations by ELISA in blood samples drawn from 200 post-myocardial infarction patients (39-76 years) at 6 monthly intervals between May 2003 and February 2004, for a total of 1143 samples. We estimated analytical, within-individual, and between-individual variation, the critical difference, and the intraclass correlation coefficient of reliability (ICC) to assess the reliability of serial Lp-PLA(2) measurements. RESULTS The mean (SD) plasma Lp-PLA(2) concentration for the study participants was 188.7 (41.8) microg/L, with no significant difference between men and women. The analytical CV for Lp-PLA(2) was 4.4%, the within-individual biological CV was 15%, and the between-individual CV was 22%. The ICC was 0.66. An important part of the total variation in plasma Lp-PLA(2) concentration was explained by the between-individual variation (as a percentage of the total variance, 66.1%), whereas the within-individual variance was 31.3%. The analytical variance was as low as 2.6%. CONCLUSIONS Between-individual variation in Lp-PLA(2) concentration was substantially greater than within-individual variation. In general, our data demonstrate considerable stability and good reproducibility of serial Lp-PLA(2) measurements, results that compared favorably with those for the more commonly measured lipid markers.
Disposition Effect and Induce Transaction in Future Market Based on Prospect Theory

Futures brokers’ income is mainly based on poundage, which easily lead to induce investors do unnecessary transactions. Disposition effect exist in future market commonly. We construct a prospect theory investment decision model with induce transaction, to explore the relationship between induce transactions and disposition effect. The results show that there is disposition effect and induce transaction in China's futures market. The investors are conducted by intermediaries and IB broker, who do more unnecessary transactions than the investors conduct by staff. Induced transaction not only accelerates the investors to realize winners, but also hold the losses longer, but the impact on the two is asymmetrical, which has a more significant impact on the winners. The relationship between the induced transaction and the disposal effect is not linear, appropriate induce transaction reduce disposition effect, but excessive will increase the disposition effect of the futures market. Keywords—disposition effect; induce transaction; prospect theory
MICROEVOLUTION OF S‐ALLELE FREQUENCIES IN WILD CHERRY POPULATIONS: RESPECTIVE IMPACTS OF NEGATIVE FREQUENCY DEPENDENT SELECTION AND GENETIC DRIFT

Negative frequency dependent selection (NFDS) is supposed to be the main force controlling allele evolution at the gametophytic self‐incompatibility locus (S‐locus) in strictly outcrossing species. Genetic drift also influences S‐allele evolution. In perennial sessile organisms, evolution of allelic frequencies over two generations is mainly shaped by individual fecundities and spatial processes. Using wild cherry populations between two successive generations, we tested whether S‐alleles evolved following NFDS qualitative and quantitative predictions. We showed that allelic variation was negatively correlated with parental allelic frequency as expected under NFDS. However, NFDS predictions in finite population failed to predict more than half S‐allele quantitative evolution. We developed a spatially explicit mating model that included the S‐locus. We studied the effects of self‐incompatibility and local drift within populations due to pollen dispersal in spatially distributed individuals, and variation in male fecundity on male mating success and allelic frequency evolution. Male mating success was negatively related to male allelic frequency as expected under NFDS. Spatial genetic structure combined with self‐incompatibility resulted in higher effective pollen dispersal. Limited pollen dispersal in structured distributions of individuals and genotypes and unequal pollen production significantly contributed to S‐allele frequency evolution by creating local drift effects strong enough to counteract the NFDS effect on some alleles.
Reconstitution of transport of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi complex using a cell-free system

Transport of the vesicular stomatitis virus-encoded glycoprotein (G protein) between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the cis Golgi compartment has been reconstituted in a cell-free system. Transfer is measured by the processing of the high mannose (man GlcNAc2) ER form of G protein to the man5GlcNAc5 form by the cis Golgi enzyme alpha- mannosidase I. G protein is rapidly and efficiently transported to the Golgi complex by a process resembling that observed in vivo. G protein is trimmed from the high mannose form to the man5GlcNAc2 form without the appearance of the intermediate man GlcNAc2 oligosaccharide species, as is observed in vivo. G protein is found in a sealed membrane-bound compartment before and after incubation. Processing in vitro is sensitive to detergent, and the Golgi alpha-mannosidase I inhibitor 1- deoxymannorjirimycin. Transport between the ER and Golgi complex in vitro requires the addition of a high speed supernatant (cytosol) of cell homogenates, and requires energy in the form of ATP. Efficient reconstitution of export of protein from the ER requires the preparation of homogenates from mitotic cell populations in which the nuclear envelope, ER, and Golgi compartments have been physiologically disassembled before cell homogenization. These results suggest that the high efficiency of transport observed here may require reassembly of functional organelles in vitro.
Examination of primary metabolic pathways in a murine hybridoma with carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Primary metabolism of a murine hybridoma was probed with 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Cells cultured in a hollow fiber bioreactor were serially infused with [1−13C] glucose, [2−13C] glucose, and [3−13C] glutamine. In vivo spectroscopy of the culture was used in conjunction with off‐line spectroscopy of the medium to determine the intracellular concentration of several metabolic intermediates and to determine fluxes for primary metabolic pathways. Intracellular concentrations of pyruvate and alanine were very high relative to levels observed in normal quiescent mammalian cells. Estimates made from labeling patterns in lactate indicate that 76% of pyruvate is derived directly from glycolysis; some is also derived from the malate shunt, the pyruvate/melate shuttle associated with lipid synthesis and the pentose phosphate pathway. The rate of formation of pyruvate from the pentose phosphate pathway was estimated to be 4% of that from glycolysis; This value is a lower limit and the actual value may be higher. Incorporation of pyruvate into the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle appears to occur through only pyruvate dehydrogenase; no pyruvate carboxylase activity was detected. The malate shunt rate was approximately equal to the rate of glutamine uptake. The rate of incorporation of glucosederived acetyl‐CoA into lipids was 4% of the glucose uptake rate. The TCA cycle rate between isocitrate and α‐ketoglutarate was 110% of the glutamine uptake rate. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The role of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator phenylalanine 508 side chain in ion channel gating

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an ion channel employing the ABC transporter structural motif. Deletion of a single residue (Phe508) in the first nucleotide‐binding domain (NBD1), which occurs in most patients with cystic fibrosis, impairs both maturation and function of the protein. However, substitution of the Phe508 with small uncharged amino acids, including cysteine, is permissive for maturation. To explore the possible role of the phenylalanine aromatic side chain in channel gating we introduced a cysteine at this position in cysless CFTR, enabling its selective chemical modification by sulfhydryl reagents. Both cysless and wild‐type CFTR ion channels have identical mean open times when activated by different nucleotide ligands. Moreover, both channels could be locked in an open state by introducing an ATPase inhibiting mutation (E1371S). However, the introduction of a single cysteine (F508C) prevented the cysless E1371S channel from maintaining the permanently open state, allowing closing to occur. Chemical modification of cysless E1371S/F508C by sulfhydryl reagents was used to probe the role of the side chain in ion channel function. Specifically, benzyl‐methanethiosulphonate modification of this variant restored the gating behaviour to that of cysless E1371S containing the wild‐type phenylalanine at position 508. This provides the first direct evidence that a specific interaction of the Phe508 aromatic side chain plays a role in determining the residency time in the closed state. Thus, despite the fact that this aromatic side chain is not essential for CFTR folding, it is important in the ion channel function.
Manufacturing of recombinant therapeutic proteins in microbial systems

Recombinant therapeutic proteins have gained enormous importance for clinical applications. The first recombinant products have been produced in E. coli more than 20 years ago. Although with the advent of antibody‐based therapeutics mammalian expression systems have experienced a major boost, microbial expression systems continue to be widely used in industry. Their intrinsic advantages, such as rapid growth, high yields and ease of manipulation, make them the premier choice for expression of non‐glycosylated peptides and proteins. Innovative product classes such as antibody fragments or alternative binding molecules will further expand the use of microbial systems. Even more, novel, engineered production hosts and integrated technology platforms hold enormous potential for future applications. This review summarizes current applications and trends for development, production and analytical characterization of recombinant therapeutic proteins in microbial systems.
Potential fitness benefits of group living in the red fox,Vulpes vulpes


For species such as the red fox, spatio-temporal variation in resource availability may promote group living even when the benefits of group formation are not of significant magnitude to promote territorial expansion and delayed dispersal. In this paper we use data from an urban fox population to compare the relative benefits of dispersal and natal philopatry as routes to attaining dominant status and investigate the potential benefits of territory inheritance, alloparental care and reproduction to subdominant individuals. More offspring, of either sex, remained on their natal territory than dispersed. The annual rate of retention of dominant status and the annual mortality rate of subdominant animals was high, such that the majority of subdominant animals never became dominant. The mortality rate of dispersing individuals was also high. The relative success rate of dispersal and philopatry as routes to dominance were broadly similar, although several philopatric offspring became dominant only after their natal territory was divided: in the absence of such changes, dispersal was more likely to lead to dominant status. Thus, it is likely that some other benefit was accrued by philopatric individuals. The majority of subdominants provisioned cubs. This did not increase the number of cubs reared but reduced the level of provisioning by dominants: whether this promoted dominants' longevity is unknown. There were high levels of reproduction by subordinate females and the levels of alloparental care by subdominants of both sexes suggest that there are comparable levels of direct reproduction by subdominant males. (c) 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.