Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Immune Neuroprotection in G93A-SOD1 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mice

Background Innate neuroimmune dysfunction is a pathobiological feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, links, if any, between disease and adaptive immunity are poorly understood. Thus, the role of T cell immunity in disease was investigated in human G93A superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) transgenic (Tg) mice and subsequently in ALS patients. Methods and Findings Quantitative and qualitative immune deficits in lymphoid cell and T cell function were seen in G93A-SOD1 Tg mice. Spleens of Tg animals showed reductions in size, weight, lymphocyte numbers, and morphological deficits at terminal stages of disease compared to their wild-type (Wt) littermates. Spleen sizes and weights of pre-symptomatic Tg mice were unchanged, but deficits were readily seen in T cell proliferation coincident with increased annexin-V associated apoptosis and necrosis of lymphocytes. These lymphoid deficits paralleled failure of Copolymer-1 (COP-1) immunization to affect longevity. In addition, among CD4+ T cells in ALS patients, levels of CD45RA+ (naïve) T cells were diminished, while CD45RO+ (memory) T cells were increased compared to age-matched caregivers. In attempts to correct mutant SOD1 associated immune deficits, we reconstituted SOD1 Tg mice with unfractionated naïve lymphocytes or anti-CD3 activated CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells (Treg) or CD4+CD25− T effector cells (Teff) from Wt donor mice. While naive lymphocytes failed to enhance survival, both polyclonal-activated Treg and Teff subsets delayed loss of motor function and extended survival; however, only Treg delayed neurological symptom onset, whereas Teff increased latency between disease onset and entry into late stage. Conclusions A profound and progressive immunodeficiency is operative in G93A-SOD1 mice and is linked to T cell dysfunction and the failure to elicit COP-1 neuroprotective immune responses. In preliminary studies T cell deficits were also observed in human ALS. These findings, taken together, suggest caution in ascribing vaccination outcomes when these animal models of human ALS are used for study. Nonetheless, the abilities to improve neurological function and life expectancy in G93A-SOD1 Tg mice by reconstitution with activated T cells do provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
A case of reappearance of spinal anesthesia.

postoperative analgesics and intraoperative drug therapies. In their study, meperidine consumption was significantly reduced after fentanyl or ketamine only at the 0-3 h postoperative period. Since no data on patient level of consciousness or sedation were included, one is hard pressed to exclude the residual sedation from these intraoperative infusions. meperidine h) postoperative period after of fentanyl or is for changes and did for postoperative the preemptive effect for hyperalgesia. The dissociation be-tween the effects of on implies have underly-ing with quite to both the anaphylactoid reaction. This case illustrates the potential for anaphylactoid reactions with midazolam in patients with a history of allergy to drugs.
Switching Species Tropism: an Effective Way To Manipulate the Feline Coronavirus Genome

ABSTRACT Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), a coronavirus, is the causative agent of an invariably lethal infection in cats. Like other coronaviruses, FIPV contains an extremely large positive-strand RNA genome of ca. 30 kb. We describe here the development and use of a reverse genetics strategy for FIPV based on targeted RNA recombination that is analogous to what has been described for the mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) (L. Kuo et al., J. Virol. 74:1393-1406, 2000). In this two-step process, we first constructed by targeted recombination a mutant of FIPV, designated mFIPV, in which the ectodomain of the spike glycoprotein was replaced by that of MHV. This switch allowed for the selection of the recombinant virus in murine cells: mFIPV grows to high titers in these cells but has lost the ability to grow in feline cells. In a second, reverse process, mFIPV was used as the recipient, and the reintroduction of the FIPV spike now allowed for selection of candidate recombinants by their regained ability to grow in feline cells. In this fashion, we reconstructed a wild-type recombinant virus (r-wtFIPV) and generated a directed mutant FIPV in which the initiation codon of the nonstructural gene 7b had been disrupted (FIPVΔ7b). The r-wtFIPV was indistinguishable from its parental virus FIPV 79-1146 not only for its growth characteristics in tissue culture but also in cats, exhibiting a highly lethal phenotype. FIPVΔ7b had lost the expression of its 7b gene but grew unimpaired in cell culture, confirming that the 7b glycoprotein is not required in vitro. We establish the second targeted RNA recombination system for coronaviruses and provide a powerful tool for the genetic engineering of the FIPV genome.
Homelessness and Incarceration among Aboriginal Women: An Integrative Literature Review 1

Aboriginal women have higher rates of homelessness than non-Aboriginal women and they are overrepresented in the prison population. Those who are homeless are at increased risk for incarceration; equally, those just released from prison are particularly vulnerable to homelessness. In this paper we review the historical context and the literature on homelessness and incarceration among Aboriginal women, and summarize best practices or promising programs for interrupting the cycle of homelessness and incarceration. The literature suggests that an effective program contains one or more of the following characteristics. First, it recognizes sociohistorical factors that have contributed to homelessness and criminality. Second, it helps establish a sense of identity and connection with Aboriginal culture, tradition, and spirituality. Third, it addresses the particular needs of women, specifically, the interpersonal violence that Aboriginal women have experienced throughout their lives, and the importance of women’s relationships 1. Acknowledgements: This study, funded by Human Resources Skill Development Canada, Homeless Partnering Secretariat, represents the background work necessary for our community-based research project, Aboriginal Women’s Voices: Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness and Incarceration. In the study we partner with Aboriginal and other women in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and Calgary, Alberta to develop solutions to reduce homelessness and recidivism.
A Review on Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) for Health Monitoring System: Implementation Protocols

As in the present era use of wireless networks is increasing day by day and the electrical devices are getting smaller; both factors expand the research area of Wireless Body Area Networks(WBAN). The devices used in WBAN can record various physiological parameters like the body temperature, the BP or to take ECG, EEG, etc. With the use of WBAN, a patient experiences a greater physical mobility. The patients need not stay longer in the hospital as WBANs are placed on the human body and often transport private data; Security is considered as an important issue. It will in turn increase the quality of patient care and the productivity of hospital staff. Field of Wireless Body Area Networks comes up as a major research area in past few years as it is beneficial in health monitoring even in remote areas and patient’s care can be done in real time. However, if the security of patient’s data is concerned with WBANs, design issues should be taken care of. In the present paper, a short review on various aspects of Wireless Body area Network, various implementation techniques and MAC protocols are discussed. The technique which is best suited to the user is also presented.
Localizing the lexicon for reading aloud: replication of a PET study using fMRI

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to investigate the neural basis of written word recognition in two normal subjects. With a 1.5T scanner and temporal surface coil, T2* gradient echo images were obtained while subjects read words aloud. As a control condition, subjects visualized false font strings and said the word 'range' each time such a string appeared. These two conditions were presented in an oscillatory pattern, alternating 30 s of each condition for a total of 4 min. Comparison of the two conditions using cross-correlation demonstrated strong activation in both subjects in the left posterior superior temporal gyrus, near the site predicted for the visual input lexicon by Déjerine and recently demonstrated by positron emission tomography.
Job satisfaction among school teachers in Cyprus

Recent national and international studies carried out in a number of countries have drawn attention to the degree of job satisfaction among teachers. In general, it has been found that context seems to be the most powerful predictor of overall satisfaction. However, given that most of the international studies on teacher satisfaction have been conducted in developed countries, one realizes the need in the available literature for similar research in developing countries as well. This paper examines job satisfaction and motivation among teachers in Cyprus – a small developing country in the Eastern Mediterranean. An adapted version of the questionnaire developed by the “Teacher 2000 Project” was translated into Greek and used for the purposes of this study that had a sample of 461 K‐12 teachers and administrators. The findings showed that, unlike other countries in which this questionnaire was used, Cypriot teachers chose this career because of the salary, the hours, and the holidays associated with this profession. The study analyzes how these motives influence the level of satisfaction held by the Cypriot teachers.
Deletion of CASK in mice is lethal and impairs synaptic function

CASK is an evolutionarily conserved multidomain protein composed of an N-terminal Ca2+/calmodulin-kinase domain, central PDZ and SH3 domains, and a C-terminal guanylate kinase domain. Many potential activities for CASK have been suggested, including functions in scaffolding the synapse, in organizing ion channels, and in regulating neuronal gene transcription. To better define the physiological importance of CASK, we have now analyzed CASK “knockdown” mice in which CASK expression was suppressed by ≈70%, and CASK knockout (KO) mice, in which CASK expression was abolished. CASK knockdown mice are viable but smaller than WT mice, whereas CASK KO mice die at first day after birth. CASK KO mice exhibit no major developmental abnormalities apart from a partially penetrant cleft palate syndrome. In CASK-deficient neurons, the levels of the CASK-interacting proteins Mints, Veli/Mals, and neurexins are decreased, whereas the level of neuroligin 1 (which binds to neurexins that in turn bind to CASK) is increased. Neurons lacking CASK display overall normal electrical properties and form ultrastructurally normal synapses. However, glutamatergic spontaneous synaptic release events are increased, and GABAergic synaptic release events are decreased in CASK-deficient neurons. In contrast to spontaneous neurotransmitter release, evoked release exhibited no major changes. Our data suggest that CASK, the only member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase protein family that contains a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase domain, is required for mouse survival and performs a selectively essential function without being in itself required for core activities of neurons, such as membrane excitability, Ca2+-triggered presynaptic release, or postsynaptic receptor functions.
Numerical optimization for loudspeaker and microphone arrays

Arrays of loudspeakers are often used for sound reinforcement in large concert halls, auditoria, houses of worship and outdoor events. Arrays of microphones have long been used in applications such as sonar and tomography, and are becoming more important for things like teleconferencing. Global optimization techniques such as Stochastic Region Contraction can be combined with previously developed software that predicts the performance of arbitrary arrays to find optimum arrays. Results of this study compare well with Berger and Silverman’s earlier study on linear microphone arrays. Optimization of several other array configurations are presented.
TMO-NanoQ+: A Real-Time Kernel for Sensor Networks Supporting Time-Triggered and Message-Triggered Tasks

As the range of sensor network's applicability is getting extended to applications related to military operations or detecting radioactivity, characterization of timeliness-guaranteed sensor network operations is required at design stage. In this paper, a new real-time sensor network modeling scheme by using the well-known TMO model is proposed. And for this modeling scheme, a new realtime sensor network kernel; named TMO-NanoQ+; that supports executions of time-triggered and message-triggered real-time tasks, has been developed based on the ETRI 's (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Korea) NanoQ+ kernel. Development of the TMO-NanoQ+ has been done by modifying the existing timer interrupt module to support a FIFO-based power-aware scheduling and an EDF/LLF scheduling. And for message-triggered tasks, a distributed IPC scheme that supports logical multicast channels over RF communications has been also developed
Schools for democracy: Lyotard, dissensus and education policy

The purpose of US public education as ‘preparation for citizenship’ is examined through a critical inquiry into the structures of modern education policy formation. The framework for the inquiry relies heavily on the work of Jean-François Lyotard, perhaps the most politically oriented of the popular contemporary French philosophers. The justification for the inquiry begins with a brief genealogy from Jefferson to the present regarding the purpose of US public education. The character of both scientific-technical and narrative knowledge are examined in light of the political nature of eight essential questions that define the character of education policy. Following Lyotard, it is argued that scientific technical knowledge assumes an intrinsic, in-and-of itself, objective structure and is privileged in Western thought. On the other hand, narrative knowledge places no a priori conditions on reality, thus recognizing the legitimacy of subjective opinion. Given the subjective nature of political controversy, it is argued that, in a democracy at least, solutions to political conflicts must not rest exclusively on a consensus of opinion, because of the hegemony of scientific-technology knowledge. The domain of possible solutions to political issues in a democracy must fully recognize and accommodate dissensus, which would allow for the possibility of narrative knowledge to justify policy. The conclusion is that, because scientific-technical knowledge characterizes the discourse of the homogenous, tightly coupled, consensus-aligned collaborative structure of present-day US public education policymaking, then this arrangement is inherently inconsistent with and potentially dangerous to US democracy.
Quantum Direct Product Theorems for Symmetric Functions and Time-Space Tradeoffs

A direct product theorem upper-bounds the overall success probability of algorithms for computing many independent instances of a computational problem. We prove a direct product theorem for 2-sided error algorithms for symmetric functions in the setting of quantum query complexity, and a stronger direct product theorem for 1-sided error algorithms for threshold functions. We also present a quantum algorithm for deciding systems of linear inequalities, and use our direct product theorems to show that the time-space tradeoff of this algorithm is close to optimal.
Neural networks as spatio-temporal pattern-forming systems

Models of neural networks are developed from a biological point of view. Small networks are analysed using techniques from dynamical systems. The behaviour of spatially and temporally organized neural fields is then discussed from the point of view of pattern formation. Bifurcation methods, analytic solutions and perturbation methods are applied to these models.
Effects of tryptophan depletion in fully remitted patients with seasonal affective disorder during summer

Background. Deficiencies in brain serotonin function are believed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of seasonal affective disorder/winter type (SAD). However, no direct evidence has been reported so far that lowered brain serotonin activity causes the symptoms of SAD. Methods. We studied 11 SAD patients who had suffered recurrent winter depressive episodes of SAD and were fully recovered and off treatment during the summer. In a randomized, balanced, double-blind crossover design patients received two amino acid beverages, one containing tryptophan and the other containing no tryptophan but otherwise identical. Behavioural ratings and plasma total and free tryptophan concentrations were assessed at baseline before administration of the amino acid beverages and at several time points afterwards. Results. The tryptophan-free amino acid beverage induced significant decreases of plasma total and free tryptophan levels and both levels increased during sham depletion (condition×time interaction: P<0·001). Tryptophan depletion, but not sham depletion caused a transient return of depressive symptoms (condition×time interaction: P<0·001). Conclusions. The present study demonstrates that SAD patients in remission during the summer are vulnerable to a return of depression when depleted of tryptophan. This finding supports the importance of serotonergic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of SAD.
A Comparison of Diagnostic Protocols for Interpretation of Frequency Doubling Perimetry Visual Fields in Glaucoma

BackgroundFrequency doubling perimetry (FDP) shows good correlation with achromatic automated perimetry in the assessment of glaucoma. However, many recommended protocols lead to a significant number of false positives and negatives. Therefore, it may be difficult to identify visual field loss owing to glaucoma. We investigated the accuracy of a diagnostic protocol that only considered either temporal wedge, arcuate, or nasal step field loss on an FDP field as significant. MethodsSixty-eight subjects who were glaucoma suspects, glaucoma patients or normal controls were recruited selectively. After achromatic automated perimetry and FDP visual field testing, results were compared between a conventional protocol and ones that took into account the position of FDP visual field loss. ResultsIf an FDP field was considered abnormal only when either a temporal wedge, an arcuate or a nasal step defect was present, the presence of a nasal step yielded the most accurate results with the least false positives (κ coefficient=0.76) and with only minimal increase in false negatives, compared with a conventional FDP protocol (κ coefficient=0.70). ConclusionsAlthough, not statistically significant in this case, our results suggested a trend that a diagnostic protocol which considers nasal step FDP field loss significant may have a greater degree of accuracy when compared with conventional protocols and may facilitate interpretation in a clinical setting.
Esterase Zymograms as an Assay for Detection of Resistant Populations of Diamondback Moth

Five strains of Sheh-Tzu diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), showing different levels of malathion resistance, were successfully obtained by single-female mating method within 4 years and about 65 generations, although no insecticide had ever been applied to this population. The difference in LD50 of malathion between the most resistant strain and the susceptible strain is 22-fold, and the difference in adult emergence rate of the treated larvae between two strains is 900-fold. Analysis of the frequency of esterase isozymes in larval zymograms showed that the resistant larvae possessed an extra high frequency of Est 8/Est 9p. Six intraand interbreeding experiments of several strains by single-female mating have been carried out to determine how Est 8 and other isozymes were involved in the resistance of the larvae. Est 8 was found to be significantly negatively correlated with aberrational growth of the treated larvae of susceptible strains. Twenty-two wild populations of the diamondback moth around Taiwan were tested for correlation between isozyme frequency and malathion resistance. Increased frequency and the titer of the Est 9p in the larval zymograms were significantly correlated with the increased resistance of the larvae to malathion. The LD50s of each of 17 wild populations of diamondback moth to mevinphos, fenvalerate, carbofuran and permethrin were also plotted against the isozyme frequency in larval zymograms of each of these 17 populations. Results showed that increased frequency of Est 9p in the larval zymograms was significantly correlated with the increased resistance of these populations to mevinphos and fenvalerate, but were not correlated with permethrin and carbofuran. Amplification of Est 9 was found in the larvae descended from the second generation of intrabred broods from many strains. Amplification of either Est 4 or Est 9 would elevate or deprive other esterase isozymes, including Est 8 and Est 9p. This phenomenon suggested that insecticide application to control the pest in the field would eventually support a situation for Est 8/Est 9p elevation in the diamondback moth larvae which would result in the emergence of resistant populations in the field.
Unraveling the chromophoric disorder of poly(3-hexylthiophene)

Significance Ideal photovoltaic cells would be black, absorbing all of the Sun’s radiation, whereas Nature’s machinery for solar energy harvesting—photosynthesis—looks green. Organic semiconductor devices, based on molecular building blocks, lie conceptionally between the extremes of inorganic and photosynthetic light harvesting. How can organic solar cells appear almost black if they are based on molecular units? Using single-molecule spectroscopy, we identify the fundamental electronic building blocks of organic solar cells and reveal that discrete molecule-like transitions scatter over the entire visible spectrum. The fundamental molecular unit is narrowband, but disorder induces a continuum reminiscent of that characterizing highly ordered inorganic crystals. The spectral breadth of conjugated polymers gives these materials a clear advantage over other molecular compounds for organic photovoltaic applications and is a key factor in recent efficiencies topping 10%. However, why do excitonic transitions, which are inherently narrow, lead to absorption over such a broad range of wavelengths in the first place? Using single-molecule spectroscopy, we address this fundamental question in a model material, poly(3-hexylthiophene). Narrow zero-phonon lines from single chromophores are found to scatter over 200 nm, an unprecedented inhomogeneous broadening that maps the ensemble. The giant red shift between solution and bulk films arises from energy transfer to the lowest-energy chromophores in collapsed polymer chains that adopt a highly ordered morphology. We propose that the extreme energetic disorder of chromophores is structural in origin. This structural disorder on the single-chromophore level may actually enable the high degree of polymer chain ordering found in bulk films: both structural order and disorder are crucial to materials physics in devices.
The Economic Crisis In The United States

The current economic crisis in the United States has two interrelated aspects. One is overt and of long duration, dating back at least to the economic downturn of 1974-75 and showing no signs of coming to an end. The other is latent, potentially explosive, and likely to come to a head at any time during the next few years. This article can also be found at the Monthly Review website , where most recent articles are published in full. Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.