Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Excess incidence of ALS in young Gulf War veterans

To the Editor: The recent Practice Parameter on the diagnostic assessment of the child with CP1 presents findings and recommendations based upon a re-working of the usual standards of classification of evidence. The reclassification appears to have been undertaken to fortify the strength of the presented studies. Thus, articles formerly classified as class III or IV, according to the usual AAN criteria, are now presented as class I evidence (authors’ references 6, 7, 8, 15, 16). However, the studies remain what they are—studies of selected, not representative, groups of patients. Figures for the percentages of abnormalities found on imaging studies, and of the comorbidity of epilepsy, are unduly inflated as a result. Some comorbidities, such as visual impairment (which relies on a definition of legal blindness not specified in the text), may be under-estimated. Internally, there are also inconsistent classifications—a studied classified as class III in table 3 is promoted to class II in the text (authors’ reference 10), and studies identified as class I are mis-matched to both old and new definitions of this evidence (authors’ references 6, 7, 8, 15, 16, 39, 47). One study is actually a review article (authors’ reference 47). The re-worked classification scheme is also intrinsically unsatisfactory. The idea of a classification “appropriate only when the diagnostic accuracy of the fact or intervention is known to be good” does not stand up to scrutiny, nor do the artifices of the revised definitions of “population” or “statistical. ” Current pre-publication review processes continue to need improvement, and systematic and authoritative statistical and epidemiological consultation should be an intrinsic part of the generation of parameters.
Molecular characterization of the chemokine receptor CXCR3: evidence for the involvement of distinct extracellular domains in a multi‐step model of ligand binding and receptor activation

CXCR3 is a chemokine receptor predominantly expressed on T lymphocytes, and binds the chemokines CXCL9 (Mig), CXCL10 (IP‐10) and CXCL11 (I‐TAC). Here, we have investigated the role of the extracellular domains of CXCR3 in ligand selectivity and receptor activation by assessing the ligand binding and chemotactic responses of chimeric CXCR3/CXCR1 constructs. Our data reveal that the secondextracellular loop of CXCR3 is essential for receptor activation in response to all CXCR3 ligands. In contrast, the N terminus and first extracellular loop of CXCR3 play some role in CXCL10‐ and CXCL11‐mediated activation but are dispensable for CXCL9‐induced signaling. The third extracellular loop of CXCR3 is important only for CXCL9‐ and CXCL10‐induced chemotaxis. Binding studies suggest that the CXCR3 ligands bind to distinct sites composed of multiple domains of CXCR3 and that high‐affinity binding and receptor activation are disparate functions. Collectively, our data support a multi‐site model for CXCR3 interactions with its agonists, in which several extracellular domains of CXCR3 contribute to ligand binding and the induction of receptor activation. The development of antagonists targeting the second extracellular loop of CXCR3 should impede receptor activation and aid the treatment of several human inflammatory disorders.
The p48 DNA‐binding subunit of transcription factor PTF1 is a new exocrine pancreas‐specific basic helix‐loop‐helix protein.

We report the isolation of cDNA for the p48 DNA‐binding subunit of the heterooligomeric transcription factor PTF1. A sequence analysis of the cDNA demonstrates that p48 is a new member of the family of basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factors. The p48 bHLH domain shows striking amino acid sequence similarity with the bHLH domain of proteins that act as developmental regulators, including the twist gene product, myogenic factors and proteins involved in hematopoietic differentiation. We show that reduced p48 synthesis correlates with a diminished expression of genes encoding exocrine pancreas‐specific functions. The synthesis of p48 mRNAs, and therefore also the protein, is restricted to cells of the exocrine pancreas in the adult and to the pancreatic primordium in the embryo. Thus the pancreas‐specific DNA‐binding activity of PTF1 originates from the synthesis of at least one cell‐specific component rather than from a cell‐specific assembly of more widely distributed proteins.
TOXICITY STUDIES ON CARBON TETRACHLORIDE AND N-NITROSOMETHYLUREA INDEPENDENTLY AND IN COMBINATION IN RATS*

This trial was designed to study the subchronic effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) and N-Nitrosomethylurea (NMU) independently as well as in combination. In the CCl 4 and CCl 4 + NMU groups, the lipid peroxidation (LPO) recorded the peak level on the 15 th day while in NMU group it was reached only on the 75 th day. Serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels were higher on the 15 th day in CCl 4 group and on the 75 th day in NMU and CCl 4 + NMU groups. Liver tissue GGT recorded the maximum level on the 15 th
Flavin Mononucleotide-Based Fluorescent Protein as an Oxygen-Independent Reporter in Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Hypoxia is encountered frequently by pathogenic and apathogenic fungi. A codon-adapted gene encoding flavin mononucleotide-based fluorescent protein (CaFbFP) was expressed in Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both species produced CaFbFP and fluoresced even during hypoxia, suggesting that oxygen-independent CaFbFP is a useful, novel tool for monitoring hypoxic gene expression in fungi.
Identification of Microscopic Hole-Trapping Mechanisms in Nitride Semiconductors

Hole trapping has been observed in nitride heterostructure devices, where the Fermi level is in the vicinity of the valence-band maximum. Using hybrid density functional calculations, we examine microscopic mechanisms for hole trapping in GaN and AlN. In a defect-free material, hole trapping does not spontaneously occur, but trapping can occur in the vicinity of impurities, such as C-a common unintentional impurity in nitrides. Using Schrödinger-Poisson simulations, we assess the effects of C-derived hole traps on N-face high-electron mobility transistors, which we find to be more detrimental than the previously proposed interface traps.
Cerebral revascularization for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms of the posterior circulation: microsurgical anatomy, techniques and outcomes

While the trend for endovascular therapy of posterior circulation aneurysms is permeating, cerebrovascular bypass remains essential in the armamentarium for complex lesions not amendable to these techniques. This review discusses the microsurgical anatomy of the posterior fossa intracranial circulation, as well as the techniques and outcomes related to cerebrovascular bypass.
AN APPLICATION AND EXTENSION OF THE TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL TO NONPROFIT CERTIFICATION.

The article discusses nonprofit organizations and certification. Nonprofit organizations, as a means for remaining competitive and gaining competitive advantage, become certified, or accredited. These certified nonprofit organizations are then able to gain public trust and are differentiated from other nonprofits in a manner which can grant them greater resources. There are 20 U.S. states which offer nonprofit certification programs including Louisiana where the program is run by the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations and was established in 2004. The Louisiana program also helps nonprofits to maintain their quality of service due to standardized requirements.
Passive detection of TCP congestion events

Detailed passive analysis of TCP sender behaviour requires accurate identification of congestion events. Previous tools that attempt to provide such information do not incorporate the behaviour of recent operating systems and TCP features and are therefore of little use to researchers analysing contemporary TCP traffic. In this paper, we present a new tool for identifying and classifying TCP congestion events from a passive packet trace, called tcpcsm, which understands modern operating system TCP behaviour. We discuss the major problems that occur when passively identifying TCP congestion events and describe how tcpcsm solves them. We also show that tcpcsm is more accurate than previous tools using a series of controlled experiments involving a variety of operating systems.
Prevalency and risk factors associated with brucellosis in cattle in the municipality of São Francisco do Brejão, Maranhão, Brazil.

This objective study was to determine the prevalence of brucellosis-positive cattle and identify the possible associated risk factors in dairy cattle herds. The study design, serum samples and information regarding farm properties were as used within the context of the National Program for Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Control and Eradication, for studying bovine brucellosis in the state of Maranhao. In total 736 animals originating from 96 herds were enrolled in the study. Of the analysed samples 3.94% of animals tested positive for Brucella, the resulting herd prevalence was 30.43%. The variables considered to be risk factors for infection were: number of animal movements, pasture used in common with other farms, abortion residues left in the field, animals over 64 months of age and acquisition of cattle with the purpose of fattening. Brucellosis presents prevalence low and that factors relating to the characteristics of the farm properties and management of the animals are associated with the disease.
Effect of Feed Supplementation of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Microbial Changes in Broiler Intestine

Four isolates of lactic acid bacteria were examined as good probiotics. They were Enterococcus faecium PR-2, Rumen bacterium MG-2, Lactobacillus plantarum IFS-1 and L. plantarum IG-3. These strains survived well at pH (2 to3 and 8 to 9) and bile of broiler intestinal conditions. The four lactic acid bacterial strains were supplemented to the broiler feed and examined for the microbial changes in ileum and cecum of chickens. The results revealed that these probiotics influenced the population of lactic acid bacteria and E. coli in broiler intestines. In comparison with control group, the cell counts of lactic acid bacteria in the ileums of broilers consuming commercial probiotics, single culture of those four strains and mixed culture during rearing period were higher (p<0.01) while E. coli in ceca of the same treatments were lower (p<0.01). However, the population of lactic acid bacteria was higher than E. coli in both ileums and ceca of chickens. Moreover, Salmonella sp. was not detected in both control and treated broiler intestines.
Draft Genome Sequence of Nesterenkonia sp. Strain F, Isolated From Aran-Bidgol Salt Lake in Iran

ABSTRACT The draft genome of the aerobic, Gram-positive, halophilic chemoorganotroph Nesterenkonia sp. strain F consists of a 2,812,133-bp chromosome. This study is the first to report the shotgun-sequenced draft genome of a member of the genus Nesterenkonia.
Effects of metformin and ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate on lipid levels in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Insulin sensitizers, especially metformin, have been shown to improve these metabolic disturbances, but there are only a few studies on their effects on serum lipids in polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS Thirty-five women with PCOS (18 obese and 17 non-obese) were randomized to 6-month treatments with metformin or ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate oral contraceptive pills. RESULTS In the whole-study population (non-obese and obese women) serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased from 1.4+/-0.2 to 1.6+/-0.1 mmol/l (means +/-S.E. throughout) at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.001), the total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased significantly from 3.8+/-0.3 to 3.3+/-0.2 at 6 months (P < 0.001) and a similar trend was observed in serum triglyceride levels during metformin treatment. In the oral contraceptive group, serum levels of total cholesterol increased from 4.9+/-0.3 to 5.4+/-0.3 mmol/l (P < 0.05), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased from 1.2+/-0.1 to 1.5+/-0.1 mmol/l (P < 0.001), the total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased from 4.6+/-0.4 to 3.7+/-0.2 (P < 0.001) and triglycerides increased from 1.3+/-0.1 to 1.9+/-0.2 mmol/l at 6 months of treatment (P < 0.001). Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels remained unchanged during both treatments. Milder but similar changes in the subgroups of obese and non-obese women were observed during both treatments. Moreover, in the whole-study population both systolic (P = 0.02) and diastolic (P = 0.05) blood pressures decreased over the 6 months of metformin treatment. CONCLUSION In women with PCOS, metformin treatment had beneficial effects on lipid profile and blood pressure, and therefore it could be useful in the prevention of cardiovascular complications in these women.
A herpes simplex virus type 1 mutant containing a nontransinducing Vmw65 protein establishes latent infection in vivo in the absence of viral replication and reactivates efficiently from explanted trigeminal ganglia

Vmw65, a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) tegument protein, in association with cellular proteins, transactivates viral immediate early genes. In order to examine the role of Vmw65 during acute and latent infection in vivo, a mutant virus (in1814), containing a 12-base-pair insertion in the Vmw65 gene, which lacks the transactivating function of Vmw65 (C. I. Ace, T. A. McKee, J. M. Ryan, J. M. Cameron, and C. M. Preston, J. Virol. 63:2260-2269, 1989) was examined in mice. Following corneal inoculation, the parental virus (17+) and the revertant (1814R) replicated effectively in eyes and trigeminal ganglia with 30 to 60% mortality. At either equal PFU or equal particle numbers, in1814 did not replicate in trigeminal ganglia and none of the infected mice died. Although in1814 did not replicate following corneal inoculation, it established latent infection in trigeminal ganglia. HSV-1 in1814 reactivated at explant as efficiently and rapidly as did 17+ and 1814R. Even low amounts of inoculated in1814 (10(2) PFU) were sufficient to establish latent infection in some animals. Since infectious in1814 was not detected at any time in mouse trigeminal ganglia, in1814 provided a unique opportunity to determine how soon after primary infection latency begins. Latent in1814 infection was detected shortly after virus reached the sensory ganglia, between 24 to 48 h postinfection. Thus, though Vmw65 may be required for lytic infection in vivo, it is dispensable for the establishment of and reactivation from latent infection. These data support the hypotheses that the latent and lytic pathways of HSV-1 are distinct and that latency is established soon after infection without a requirement for viral replication. However, the levels of Vmw65 reaching neuronal nuclei may be a critical determinant of whether HSV-1 forms a lytic or latent infection.
Influence of the Interface Fresnel zone on the reflected P-wave amplitude modelling

SUMMARY The aim of the paper is to emphasize the importance of accounting for the Fresnel volume and for the Interface Fresnel zone (IFZ) for calculating the amplitude of the P wave emanating from a point source and recorded at a receiver after its specular reflection on a smooth homogeneous interface between elastic media. For this purpose, by considering the problem of interest as a problem of diffraction by the IFZ, that is, the physically relevant part of the interface which actually affects the reflected wavefield, we have developed a method which combines the Angular Spectrum Approach (ASA) with the IFZ concept to get the 3-D analytical solution. The variation in the reflected P-wave amplitude evaluated with the ASA, as a function of the incidence angle, is compared with the plane wave (PW) reflection coefficient and with the exact solution provided by the 3-D code OASES, for one solid/solid configuration and two dominant frequencies of the source. For subcritical incidence angles the geometrical spreading compensation is mostly quite sufficient to reduce the point-source amplitudes to the PW amplitudes. On the contrary, for specific regions of incidence angles for which the geometrical spreading compensation is not sufficient anymore, that is, near the critical region and in the post-critical domain, the ASA combined with the IFZ concept yields better results than the PW theory whatever the dominant frequency of the source, which suggests that the additional application of the IFZ concept is necessary to obtain the reflected P-wave amplitude. Nevertheless, as the ASA combined with the IFZ has been used only for evaluating the contribution of the reflected wavefield at the receiver, its predictions fail when the interference between the reflected wave and the head wave becomes predominant.
Deconvolution of sparse positive spikes February 10

Deconvolution is usually regarded as one of the ill-posed problems in applied mathematics if no constraints on the unknowns are assumed. In this paper, we discuss the idea of welldefined statistical models being a counterpart of the notion of well-posedness. We show that constraints on the unknowns such as positivity and sparsity can go a long way towards overcoming the ill-posedness in deconvolution. We show how these issues are dealt with in a parametric deconvolution model introduced recently. From the same perspective we take a fresh look at two familiar deconvolvers: the widely-used Jansson method and another one that minimizes the Kullback-Leibler divergence between observations and fitted values. In the latter case, we point out that in the context of deconvolution a counterpart of the EM algorithm exists for the problem of minimizing the Kullback-Leibler divergence. We graphically compare the performance of these deconvolvers using data simulated from a spike-convolution model and DNA sequencing data.
Next-Generation Public Safety Systems Based on Autonomous Vehicles and Opportunistic Communications

An emergency scenario is characterized by the unpredictability of the environment conditions and by the scarcity of the available communication infrastructures. After a natural or human disaster, the main public and private infrastructures are partially damaged or totally destroyed. These infrastructures include roads, bridges, water supplies, electrical grids, telecommunications and so on. In these conditions, the first rescue operations executed by the public safety organizations can be very difficult, due to the unpredictability of the disaster area environment and the lack in the communications systems. The aim of this work is to introduce next-generation public safety systems where the main focus is the use of unmanned vehicles that are able to exploit the self-organizing characteristics of such autonomous systems. With the proposed public safety systems, a team of autonomous vehicles will be able to overcome the hazardous environments of a post disaster scenario by introducing a temporary dynamic network infrastructure which enables the first responders to cooperate and to communicate with the victims involved. Furthermore, given the pervasive penetration of smart end-user devices, the emergence of spontaneous networks could constitute promising solutions to implement emergency communication systems. With these systems the survivors will be able to self-organize in a communication network that allows them to send alerts and information messages towards the rescue teams, even in absence of communication infrastructures.
A Fully Digital ASK Demodulator With Digital Calibration for Bioimplantable Devices

A new fully digital high-efficiency ASK demodulator for detecting data via inductive link is proposed. The proposed demodulator does not use any passive component and is compatible with standard CMOS digital technology. The modulation index, modulation rate, and power consumption of the proposed structure are <;4%, 100%, and 118.2 μW, respectively, at the carrier frequency of 13.56 MHz. Design issues of the demodulator are discussed in detail. A calibration technique is also proposed for the demodulator which compensates the impact of PVT variations as well as coil displacements in case it is used in an inductive link data and power transfer system. The designed circuit is implemented in the 0.18-μm CMOS technology.
Conformation and circular dichroism of DNA

CD spectra of calf thymus, C. perfringens, E. coli, and M. luteus DNA have been measured in the vacuum‐uv region to about 168 nm for the A‐, B‐, and C‐forms. The positive band at about 187 nm and the negative band at about 170 nm found for each type and form of DNA are sensitive to the source of the DNA and the base–base interactions of the double‐stranded helix. The A‐form spectra confirm that these bands are indeed sensitive to secondary structure. In the near‐uv, the CD of B‐form DNA is well analyzed as a linear combination of 27% A‐form and 78% C‐form. However, an analysis of the extended spectrum demonstrates that the near‐uv analysis is not correct. The extended analysis shows that the base–base interactions are similar for B‐ and C‐forms in solution, which implies that these two forms have nearly the same number of base pairs per turn. Various types of CD difference spectra are also discussed.
Mutual aid groups in psychiatry and substance misuse

Background: Mutuality is a feature of many ‘self-help groups’ for people with mental health and/or substance misuse needs. These groups are diverse in terms of membership, aims, organisation and resources. Collectively, in terms of the pathways for seeking help, support, social capital or simply validation as people, mutual aid groups figure at some time in the life story of many psychiatric and/or substance misuse patients. From the viewpoint of clinical services, relations with such groups range from formal collaboration, through incidental shared care, via indifference, to incomprehension, suspicion, or even hostility. How should mental health and substance misuse clinicians relate to this informal care sector, in practice? Aims: To synthesise knowledge about three aspects of the relationship between psychiatric/substance misuse services and mutual aid groups: profile groups' engagement of people with mental health and/or substance misuse needs at all stages of vulnerability, illness or recovery; chara.
Negative Consequences of Family Caregiving for Veterans With PTSD and Dementia

Abstract Recent research shows veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are twice as likely as other veterans to develop dementia. However, no studies to date have examined the impact of co-existing PTSD and dementia on family caregivers, who provide the majority of care to these veterans. Using the Stress Process Model, the current investigation explored the similarities and differences in psychosocial, health, and service use outcomes among caregivers assisting veterans with PTSD and dementia compared with caregivers assisting veterans with dementia only. Caregivers of veterans with PTSD and dementia indicated that their relative exhibited more difficult behavior symptoms and used more community services. These caregivers also reported more difficulties understanding veterans’ memory problems and more physical strain. Together, results suggested caregivers of veterans with both PTSD and dementia were at greater risk of negative caregiving consequences. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.