Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myofibrillogenesis visualized in living embryonic cardiomyocytes.

Myofibril formation was visualized in cultured live cardiomyocytes that were transfected with plasmids expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) linked to the Z-band protein, alpha-actinin. The expression of this fluorescent protein provided an in vivo label for structures containing alpha-actinin. The GFP-alpha-actinin fusion protein was incorporated into Z-bands, intercalated discs, and attachment plaques, as well as into the punctate aggregates, or Z-bodies, that are thought to be the precursors of Z-bands. Observations of live cells over several days in culture permitted us to test aspects of several theories of myofibril assembly that had been proposed previously based on the study of fixed cells. Fine fibrils, called premyofibrils, that formed de novo at the spreading edges of cardiomyocytes, contained punctate concentrations of alpha-actinin, termed Z-bodies. The punctate Z-bodies grew and aligned with Z-bodies in adjacent fibrils. With increasing time, adjacent fibrils and Z-bodies appeared to fuse and form mature myofibrils and Z-bands in cytoplasmic regions where the linear arrays of Z-bodies had been. These new myofibrils became aligned with existing myofibrils at their Z-bands to form myofibrils that spanned the length of the spread cell. These results are consistent with a model that postulates that the fibrils that form de novo near the cell membrane are premyofibrils-i.e., the precursors of mature myofibrils.
Impact of SiC MOSFET traction inverters on compact-class electric car range

The advent of power devices based on Wide Band Gap (WBG) semiconductor materials, like the Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, can improve the overall performance of the power converter systems, by reducing the conversion losses and enabling operation at higher switching frequency. This paper analyzes the range extension of electric vehicles (EVs) ensuing from the adoption of SiC devices for the traction inverter. As a case study, a compact-class electric car equipped with a Silicon (Si) IGBT traction inverter is considered. After introducing the driving cycle used to evaluate the range, the time graphs of currents and voltages applied by the inverter to the traction motor along the driving cycle are calculated. A loss model for Si and SiC devices is then formulated, and the losses of the Si IGBT inverter over the driving cycle are found and compared to the losses obtainable with a SiC MOSFET inverter. For the case study, the analysis shows that a SiC MOSFET inverter can extend the electric car range up to 5%.
The independence of expression and identity in face-processing: evidence from neuropsychological case studies

The processing of facial identity and facial expression have traditionally been seen as independent—a hypothesis that has largely been informed by a key double dissociation between neurological patients with a deficit in facial identity recognition but not facial expression recognition, and those with the reverse pattern of impairment. The independence hypothesis is also reflected in more recent anatomical models of face-processing, although these theories permit some interaction between the two processes. Given that much of the traditional patient-based evidence has been criticized, a review of more recent case reports that are accompanied by neuroimaging data is timely. Further, the performance of individuals with developmental face-processing deficits has recently been considered with regard to the independence debate. This paper reviews evidence from both acquired and developmental disorders, identifying methodological and theoretical strengths and caveats in these reports, and highlighting pertinent avenues for future research.
Sufficient Dimension Reduction Summaries

Observational studies assessing causal or non-causal relationships between an explanatory measure and an outcome can be complicated by hosts of confounding measures. Large numbers of confounders can lead to several biases in conventional regression based estimation. Inference is more easily conducted if we reduce the number of confounders to a more manageable number. We discuss use of sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) summaries in estimating covariate balanced comparisons among multiple populations. SDR theory is related to the dimension reduction considered in regression theory. SDR summaries share much with sufficient statistics and encompass propensities. A specific type of SDR summary can wholly replace the original covariates with no loss of information or efficiency. Estimators with minimal expected loss can be based on these SDR summaries rather than all of the covariates.
Effects of Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis infection on Anopheles stephensl egg development and resorption

Abstract It has been shown previously that infection with Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis reduces the number of eggs produced by female Anopheles stephensi. Here we examine the mechanism underlying fecundity reduction. Ovaries from infected and uninfected (control) female mosquitoes were examined12, 24 or 36 h after blood‐feeding during the first gonotrophic cycle (replicated) or the second gonotrophic cycle (unreplicated). Follicular development was assessed according to Christophers' stages and the proportions of developing and resorbing follicles per ovary were determined. Resorption of some follicles commenced within 12h of blood‐feeding, affecting significantly more follicles in the infected females: 1.1% v. 3.2%. The difference was greatest 36h after blood‐feeding: 25% reduction (10 v. 35%) in the first cycle; 16% reduction (9 v. 25%) in the second gonotrophic cycle. The mean speed of oogenesis was also found to be significantly retarded in infected mosquitoes. During the second gonotrophic cycle, for example, only 92–94% of follicles reached stage III by 24 h and stage IV by 36 h in infected females, whereas all the developing follicles of uninfected females reached these stages more or less synchronously in the time specified.
Neurobiology of Deep Brain Stimulation Abnormal neuronal activity in Tourette syndrome and its modulation using deep brain stimulation

Israelashvili M, Loewenstern Y, Bar-Gad I. Abnormal neuronal activity in Tourette syndrome and its modulation using deep brain stimulation. J Neurophysiol 114: 6–20, 2015. First published April 29, 2015; doi:10.1152/jn.00277. 2015. — Tourette syndrome (TS) is a common childhood-onset disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics that are typically accompanied by a multitude of comorbid symptoms. Pharmacological treatment options are limited, which has led to the exploration of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a possible treatment for severe cases. Multiple lines of evidence have linked TS with abnormalities in the motor and limbic cortico-basal ganglia (CBG) pathways. Neurophysiological data have only recently started to slowly accumulate from multiple sources: noninvasive imaging and electrophysiological techniques, invasive electrophysiological recordings in TS patients undergoing DBS implantation surgery, and animal models of the disorder. These converging sources point to system-level physiological changes throughout the CBG pathway, including both general altered baseline neuronal activity patterns and specific tic-related activity. DBS has been applied to different regions along the motor and limbic pathways, primarily to the globus pallidus internus, thalamic nuclei, and nucleus accumbens. In line with the findings that also draw on the more abundant application of DBS to Parkinson’s disease, this stimulation is assumed to result in changes in the neuronal firing patterns and the passage of information through the stimulated nuclei. We present an overview of recent experimental findings on abnormal neuronal activity associated with TS and the changes in this activity following DBS. These findings are then discussed in the context of current models of CBG function in the normal state, during TS, and finally in the wider context of DBS in CBG-related disorders.
A systematic review of the therapeutic effects of Reiki.

INTRODUCTION Reiki is an ancient form of Japanese healing. While this healing method is widely used for a variety of psychologic and physical symptoms, evidence of its effectiveness is scarce and conflicting. The purpose of this systematic review was to try to evaluate whether Reiki produces a significant treatment effect. METHODS Studies were identified using an electronic search of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Quality of reporting was evaluated using a modified CONSORT Criteria for Herbal Interventions, while methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad Quality score. DATA EXTRACTION Two (2) researchers selected articles based on the following features: placebo or other adequate control, clinical investigation on humans, intervention using a Reiki practitioner, and published in English. They independently extracted data on study design, inclusion criteria, type of control, sample size, result, and nature of outcome measures. RESULTS The modified CONSORT Criteria indicated that all 12 trials meeting the inclusion criteria were lacking in at least one of the three key areas of randomization, blinding, and accountability of all patients, indicating a low quality of reporting. Nine (9) of the 12 trials detected a significant therapeutic effect of the Reiki intervention; however, using the Jadad Quality score, 11 of the 12 studies ranked "poor. " CONCLUSIONS The serious methodological and reporting limitations of limited existing Reiki studies preclude a definitive conclusion on its effectiveness. High-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to address the effectiveness of Reiki over placebo.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a possible new risk factor of cognitive impairment and dementia, but results of studies remain conflicting. Methods: A systematic literature research of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Goggle Scholar covering the period from 1980 to January 2012) and meta-analysis of relevant cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were conducted to assess the association of CKD and cognitive decline. Results: Most cross-sectional and longitudinal studies suggest an association between cognitive impairment and CKD. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies comprising 54,779 participants yielded an association of cognitive decline in patients with CKD compared with patients without CKD (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.32–2.05; p < 0.001, and OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.15–1.68; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: This is the first meta-analysis assessing the impact of CKD on cognitive decline. Our results suggest CKD being a significant and independent somatic risk factor in the development of cognitive decline.
Molecular epidemiology of astroviruses in Japan from 1995 to 1998 by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction with serotype‐specific primers (1 to 8)

In addition to the serotype‐specific primers described previously (1 to 7), a new serotype 8‐specific primer has been designed, allowing detection of all astrovirus serotypes. A total of 1,382 diarrheal stool samples in 5 regions in Japan were examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The incidence of astrovirus infection in all 5 regions was 5.9% (82 of 1,382 samples) and infection occurred mainly from November to April. Serotypes 1, 3, and 4 were detected in 66, 14, and 2 of the 82 positive samples, respectively. None of the other serotypes was detected. The highest detection rate was from 0 to 1 year old, 39.0%, and the next highest was from 1 to 2 years old, 34.1%. The primers provide a useful approach for study of the epidemiology of astroviruses. J. Med. Virol. 61:326–331, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling the Information Seeking of Professionals: A General Model Derived from Research on Engineers, Health Care Professionals, and Lawyers

Drawing upon existing research and previous attempts at modeling the information-seeking behavior of specific professional groups, this article posits an original model of information seeking that is applicable to all professionals. The model was developed through a careful analysis and interpretation of empirical studies on the information habits and practices of three groups: engineers, health care professionals, and lawyers. The general model and its six major components are presented in detail. These six components are (1) work roles, (2) associated tasks, and (3) characteristics of information needs and three factors affecting information seeking: (4) awareness, (5) sources, and (6) outcomes. In turn, each component contains a number of variables that are described with examples from the literature. The complexity of the information-seeking process is conceptualized in terms of the interaction and simultaneous occurrence of the model's components and variables, including a feedback mechanism. The article concludes with suggestions as to the potential usefulness of the model.
A new high-performance heterologous fungal expression system based on regulatory elements from the Aspergillus terreus terrein gene cluster

Recently, the Aspergillus terreus terrein gene cluster was identified and selected for development of a new heterologous expression system. The cluster encodes the specific transcription factor TerR that is indispensable for terrein cluster induction. To identify TerR binding sites, different recombinant versions of the TerR DNA-binding domain were analyzed for specific motif recognition. The high affinity consensus motif TCGGHHWYHCGGH was identified from genes required for terrein production and binding site mutations confirmed their essential contribution to gene expression in A. terreus. A combination of TerR with its terA target promoter was tested as recombinant expression system in the heterologous host Aspergillus niger. TerR mediated target promoter activation was directly dependent on its transcription level. Therefore, terR was expressed under control of the regulatable amylase promoter PamyB and the resulting activation of the terA target promoter was compared with activation levels obtained from direct expression of reporters from the strong gpdA control promoter. Here, the coupled system outcompeted the direct expression system. When the coupled system was used for heterologous polyketide synthase expression high metabolite levels were produced. Additionally, expression of the Aspergillus nidulans polyketide synthase gene orsA revealed lecanoric acid rather than orsellinic acid as major polyketide synthase product. Domain swapping experiments assigned this depside formation from orsellinic acid to the OrsA thioesterase domain. These experiments confirm the suitability of the expression system especially for high-level metabolite production in heterologous hosts.
Gait Training After Stroke: A Pilot Study Combining a Gravity-Balanced Orthosis, Functional Electrical Stimulation, and Visual Feedback

Rationale: This case report describes the application of a novel gait retraining approach to an individual with poststroke hemiparesis. The rehabilitation protocol combined a specially designed leg orthosis (the gravity-balanced orthosis), treadmill walking, and functional electrical stimulation to the ankle muscles with the application of motor learning principles. Case: The participant was a 58-year-old man who had a stroke more than three years before the intervention. He underwent gait retraining over a period of five weeks for a total of 15 sessions during which the gravity compensation provided by the gravity-balanced orthosis and visual feedback about walking performance was gradually reduced. Outcomes: At the end of five weeks, he decreased the time required to complete the Timed Up and Go test; his gait speed increased during overground walking; gait was more symmetrical; stride length, hip and knee joint excursions on the affected side increased. Except for gait symmetry, all other improvements were maintained one month post-intervention. Conclusions: This case report describes possible advantages of judiciously combining different treatment techniques in improving the gait of chronic stroke survivors. Further studies are planned to evaluate the effectiveness of different components of this training in both the subacute and chronic stages of stroke recovery.
Development and Implementation of a Synchrophasor Estimator Capable of Measurements Under Dynamic Conditions

The classical two-parameter Fourier algorithm for computing synchrophasors is appropriate when the underlying voltage and current waveforms are sinusoids with constant amplitude and phase angle and with a frequency equal to the assumed value. Synchrophasor measurements, however, are applied in power systems to track dynamic conditions where, by definition, currents and voltages, though resembling sine-waves, exhibit changes in their magnitudes and vectorial positions. This paper presents a novel algorithm for estimating synchrophasors under such dynamic conditions. In contrast to the classical Fourier algorithm, our model is a complex Taylor expansion, yielding several parameters in the model to be estimated. Four- and six-parameter models are presented corresponding to first and second order Taylor expansions. This paper derives a compensation method for canceling the error in the classical Fourier algorithm that arises under dynamic conditions, shows comparative simulation and test results and describes an efficient implementation. Application of the error cancellation method to other phasor algorithms and extending the technique to higher order Taylor expansions, are discussed. Implementation of synchrophasor measurements on protection and control intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) is discussed, and solutions are presented that allow for secure integration.
A New Rodent Model to Assess Blood Stage Immunity to the Plasmodium falciparum Antigen Merozoite Surface Protein 119 Reveals a Protective Role for Invasion Inhibitory Antibodies

Antibodies capable of inhibiting the invasion of Plasmodium merozoites into erythrocytes are present in individuals that are clinically immune to the malaria parasite. Those targeting the 19-kD COOH-terminal domain of the major merozoite surface protein (MSP)-119 are a major component of this inhibitory activity. However, it has been difficult to assess the overall relevance of such antibodies to antiparasite immunity. Here we use an allelic replacement approach to generate a rodent malaria parasite (Plasmodium berghei) that expresses a human malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) form of MSP-119. We show that mice made semi-immune to this parasite line generate high levels of merozoite inhibitory antibodies that are specific for P. falciparum MSP-119. Importantly, protection from homologous blood stage challenge in these mice correlated with levels of P. falciparum MSP-119–specific inhibitory antibodies, but not with titres of total MSP-119–specific immunoglobulins. We conclude that merozoite inhibitory antibodies generated in response to infection can play a significant role in suppressing parasitemia in vivo. This study provides a strong impetus for the development of blood stage vaccines designed to generate invasion inhibitory antibodies and offers a new animal model to trial P. falciparum MSP-119 vaccines.
Epistaxis: an update on current management

Epistaxis is one of the commonest ENT emergencies. Although most patients can be treated within an accident and emergency setting, some are complex and may require specialist intervention. There are multiple risk factors for the development of epistaxis and it can affect any age group, but it is the elderly population with their associated morbidity who often require more intensive treatment and subsequent admission. Treatment strategies have been broadly similar for decades. However, with the evolution of endoscopic technology, new ways of actively managing epistaxis are now available. Recent evidence suggests that this, combined with the use of stepwise management plans, should limit patient complications and the need for admission. This review discusses the various treatment options and integrates the traditional methods with modern techniques.
Meanings of Life

In this extraordinary book, an eminent social scientist explores what empirical studies from diverse fields tell us about the human condition. Meanings of Life draws together evidence from psychology, history, anthropology, and sociology, integrating copious research findings into a clear and conclusive discussion of how people attempt to make sense of their lives. In a lively and accessible style, emphasising facts over theories, Baumeister explores why people desire meaning in their lives, how these meanings function, what forms they take, and what happens when life loses meaning. The volume includes a review of interdisciplinary literature that covers what the social sciences say about such matters as happiness, suffering, and death. It explores people's need for a sense of purpose, values, control over their lives, and a sense of self worth. Divorce and religious conversion are also examined. The book attempts to analyze the myths of fulfilment and higher meaning, illusions of eternity, the suppression of female sexuality, the failure of the work ethic, why death is more threatening to us than it was to our ancestors, and how suffering stimulates the quest for meaning. It demonstrates how happiness depends more upon one's interpretation than actual circumstances, and shows that the keys to happiness are attitude, judicious comparison, a bit of luck and a healthy dose of self-deception.
A self-regulation program for maintenance of weight loss.

BACKGROUND Since many successful dieters regain the weight they lose, programs that teach maintenance skills are needed. We developed a maintenance program based on self-regulation theory and tested the efficacy of delivering the program face to face or over the Internet. METHODS We randomly assigned 314 participants who had lost a mean of 19.3 kg of body weight in the previous 2 years to one of three groups: a control group, which received quarterly newsletters (105 participants), a group that received face-to-face intervention (105), and a group that received Internet-based intervention (104). The content of the programs in the two intervention groups was the same, emphasizing daily self-weighing and self-regulation, as was the frequency of contact with the groups. The primary outcome was weight gain over a period of 18 months. RESULTS The mean (+/-SD) weight gain was 2.5+/-6.7 kg in the face-to-face group, 4.7+/-8.6 kg in the Internet group, and 4.9+/-6.5 kg in the control group, with a significant difference between the face-to-face group and the control group (2.4 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002 to 10.8; P=0.05). The proportion of participants who regained 2.3 kg or more over the 18-month period was significantly higher in the control group (72.4%) than in the face-to-face group (45.7%; absolute difference, 27%; 95% CI, 14 to 39; P<0.001) or the Internet group (54.8%; absolute difference, 18%; 95% CI, 5 to 30; P=0.008). Daily self-weighing increased in both intervention groups and was associated with a decreased risk of regaining 2.3 kg or more (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS As compared with receiving quarterly newsletters, a self-regulation program based on daily weighing improved maintenance of weight loss, particularly when delivered face to face. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00067145 [ClinicalTrials.gov].)