Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inferior temporal stream for word processing with integrated mnemonic function

The participation of the inferior temporal cortex in visual word perception and recognition raises several questions: Is there a directed processing stream proceeding anteriorly by continuous cortical processing? How fast are words processed within such an inferior temporal stream? Does this stream support implicit or explicit memory? To answer these questions, we analyzed the spatio‐temporal relationship of event‐related potentials, recorded directly from the inferior temporal cortex in epilepsy patients performing a continuous visual word recognition paradigm. Event‐related potentials elicited an inferior temporal positivity in a strip along the left collateral sulcus. This potential exhibited a linear (r = 0.74) peak latency progression from posterior to anterior inferior temporal regions (≈15 cm/sec), indicating a directed, intracortical processing stream. Peak amplitudes and latencies showed reliable old/new effects with smaller amplitudes and shorter latencies for old as opposed to new words. Although the amplitude‐old/new‐effect occurred for all repeated words (e.g., implicit memory), the latency‐old/new‐effect occurred for correctly recognized old words only (e.g., explicit recognition). These results seem to dissociate two distinct mnemonic processes. The graded decrease of mean ITP peak amplitudes and latencies, however, does not allow us to exclude a single trace model as assumed for explicit recognition memory based on familiarity (Mandler [ 1980 ]: Psychol Rev 87:252–271). Regardless whether there is a dissociation between implicit and explicit memory in inferior temporal cortex or not, our findings are in accordance with an integrated inferior temporal processing stream for words that performs continuously semantic and mnemonic operations supporting both implicit and explicit memory. Hum. Brain Mapping 14:251–260, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional and dynamic aspects of the mammalian nucleolus

Nucleoli are the sites of ribosome biogenesis. Transcription of the ribosomal RNA genes as well as processing and initial packaging of their transcripts with ribosomal and non‐ribosomal proteins all occur within the nucleolus in an ordered manner and under defined topological conditions. Components of the nucleolus have been localized by immunocytochemistry and their functional aspects investigated by microinjection of antibodies directed against the enzyme responsible for rDNA transcription, RNA polymerase I. The role of nascent transcripts in postmitotic formation of nucleoli will be discussed.
Interpreting serological surveys using mixture models: the seroepidemiology of measles, mumps and rubella in England and Wales at the beginning of the 21st century

A mixture modelling technique is applied to age-specific frequency distributions of quantitative results from serological surveys for measles, mumps and rubella using samples collected across the age range in England and Wales in 2000. In accordance with previous studies the analysis suggests that the antibody response to natural infection is stronger than that produced by vaccination, that vaccine-induced antibody levels wane with time and that levels of vaccine-induced antibody response vary for each virus infection being strongest for rubella and weakest for mumps. The current mumps epidemic in the United Kingdom is focused in cohorts born during 1982–1987 who were too old to have received routine MMR vaccination. In the cohort born in 1981–1985 the model estimates that 7·5% have no evidence of mumps specific IgG and 24·9% have the lowest level of detectable antibody. The similar proportions of mumps antibody in these categories among cohorts with opportunity for 1 or 2 doses of vaccine is a concern, as the degree to which these individuals are protected is unclear. Investigations into the efficacy of two doses of a mumps containing vaccine should be a priority during the current epidemic.
Associations Between Dimensions of Job Stress and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Infection

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine associations between dimensions of job stress and indicators of chronic inflammation and infection. Methods: Within a subsample from the BELSTRESS study of 892 male subjects free of cardiovascular disease, dimensions of job stress from the job demand–control–support model were related to biomarkers of inflammation (plasma fibrinogen concentrations, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A) and infection (titers against Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus, and Helicobacter pylori). Results: A negative association was found between job control and plasma fibrinogen concentration, independent from age, education, occupation, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and use of lipid-lowering and antihypertensive medication. Higher social support at work was independently related to an increased risk of positive titers against cytomegalovirus. Conclusions: Results confirm previous findings regarding elevated plasma fibrinogen and low job control.
Endoscopic endonasal management of non-functioning pituitary adenomas with cavernous sinus invasion: a 10- year experience.

BACKGROUND The management of Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma (NFPA) invading the cavernous sinus (CS) is currently a balancing act between the surgical decompression of neural structures, radiotherapy and a wait-and-see policy. METHODS We undertook a retrospective review of 56 cases of NFPA with CS invasion treated through an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) between 2000 and 2010. The Knosp classification was adopted to describe CS involvement using information from preoperative MRI and intraoperative findings. Extent of resection and surgical outcomes were evaluated on the basis of postoperative contrast-enhanced MRI. Endocrinological improvement and visual outcomes were assessed according to the most recent consensus criteria. RESULTS EEA was performed using direct para-septal, trans-ethmoidal-sphenoidal or trans-ethmoidal-pterygoidal-sphenoidal approach. Visual outcomes improved in 30 (81%) patients. Normalization or at least improvement of previous hypopituitarism was obtained in 55% of cases. A gross total resection was achieved in 30.3% of cases. The recurrence-free survival was 87.5%, with a mean follow-up of 61 months (range, 36-166 months). No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. DISCUSSION EEA is a minimally-invasive, safe and effective procedure for the management of NFPA invading the CS. The extent of CS involvement was the main factor limiting the degree of tumor resection. The EEA was able to resolve the mass effect, preserving or restoring visual function, and obtaining adequate long-term tumor control.
Characteristics of Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus mutans in the Presence of Saliva

ABSTRACT Interactions between salivary agglutinin and the adhesin P1 of Streptococcus mutans contribute to bacterial aggregation and mediate sucrose-independent adherence to tooth surfaces. We have examined biofilm formation by S. mutans UA159, and derivative strains carrying mutations affecting the localization or expression of P1, in the presence of fluid-phase or adsorbed saliva or salivary agglutinin preparations. Whole saliva- and salivary agglutinin-induced aggregation of S. mutans was adversely affected by the loss of P1 and sortase (SrtA) but not by the loss of trigger factor (RopA). Fluid-phase salivary agglutinin and, to a lesser extent, immobilized agglutinin inhibited biofilm development by S. mutans in the absence of sucrose, and whole saliva was more effective at decreasing biofilm formation than salivary agglutinin. Inhibition of biofilm development by salivary agglutinin was differently influenced by particular mutations, with the P1-deficient strain displaying a greater inhibition of biofilm development than the SrtA- or RopA-deficient strains. As expected, biofilm-forming capacities of all strains in the presence of salivary preparations were markedly enhanced in the presence of sucrose, although biofilm formation by the mutants was less efficient than that by the parental strain. Aeration strongly inhibited biofilm development, and the presence of salivary components did not restore biofilm formation in aerated conditions. The results disclose a potent ability of salivary constituents to moderate biofilm formation by S. mutans through P1-dependent and P1-independent pathways.
Reflating Japan: Time to Get Unconventional?

Japan has ambitious economic goals: 3 percent nominal growth; 2 percent inflation; and a primary budget surplus. Abenomics has employed the three arrows of monetary, fiscal and structural policies, but the goals remain out of reach. We propose that countercyclical measures be embedded in long-run frameworks that anchor expectations for inflation and public debt. In addition, we argue for an incomes policy to assist reflation. Model simulations suggest that, combined, these proposals would make headway towards the goals, with, on balance, a better chance of success than the more unconventional policy alternatives proposed by Krugman, Svensson, and Turner from a risk-return perspective.
NalP-Mediated Proteolytic Release of Lactoferrin-Binding Protein B from the Meningococcal Cell Surface

ABSTRACT Bacteria have developed several mechanisms for iron uptake during colonization of mammalian hosts, where the availability of free iron is limiting for growth. Neisseria meningitidis expresses under iron-limiting conditions a receptor complex consisting of the lactoferrin-binding proteins A (LbpA) and LbpB to acquire iron from lactoferrin, which is abundantly present on the mucosal surfaces of the human nasopharynx. LbpA is an integral outer membrane-embedded iron transporter, whereas LbpB is a cell surface-exposed lipoprotein. In this study, we demonstrate that LbpB is also released into the culture medium. We identified NalP, an autotransporter known to be involved in the processing of other autotransporters, as the protease responsible for LbpB release. This release of LbpB reduced the complement-mediated killing of the bacteria when incubated with an LbpB-specific bactericidal antiserum. Since antibodies directed against LbpB are found in convalescent-patient sera, the release of an immunogenic protein as LbpB may represent a novel means for N. meningitidis to escape the human immune response.
Association between ABCB1 genotype and seizure outcome in Collies with epilepsy.

BACKGROUND Medically refractory seizures are an important problem in both humans and dogs with epilepsy. Altered expression of ABCB1, the gene encoding for p-glycoprotein (PGP), has been proposed to play a role in drug-resistant epilepsy. HYPOTHESIS Heterogeneity of the ABCB1 gene is associated with seizure outcome in dogs with epilepsy. ANIMALS Twenty-nine Collies with epilepsy being treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). METHODS Prospective and retrospective cohort study. Dogs were classified as having a good outcome (≤ 1 seizure/month, no cluster seizures) or a poor outcome (>1 seizure/month, with or without cluster seizures) based on owner-completed questionnaire. Serum AED concentrations were measured, and ABCB1 genotyping was performed on buccal tissue samples. Association analyses were performed for genotype and seizure outcome, number of AEDs administered, serum AED concentrations, and incidence of adverse effects. RESULTS Fourteen dogs of 29 (48%) were homozygous for the ABCB1-1∆ mutation (M/M), 11 dogs (38%) were heterozygous (M/N), and 4 dogs (14%) had the wild-type genotype (N/N). Dogs with the M/M genotype were significantly more likely to have fewer seizures and have less AED-related sedation than M/N or N/N dogs (P = .003 and P = .001, respectively). Serum phenobarbital and bromide concentrations did not differ between groups, but the M/N and N/N groups received a larger number of AEDs than the M/M group (P = .014). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE ABCB1 genotype is associated with seizure outcome in Collies with epilepsy. This cannot be attributed to differences in PGP function, but might be because of intrinsic variations in seizure severity among phenotypes.
Induction of apoptosis by TPA and VP-16 is through translocation of TR3.

AIM To investigate the role of TR3 in induction of apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. METHODS Human gastric cancer cell line, MGC80-3, was used. Expression of TR3 mRNA and its protein was detected by Northern blot and Western blot. Localization of TR3 protein was showed by immunofluorescence analysis under laser-scanning confocal microscope. Apoptotic morphology was observed by DAPI fluorescence staining, and apoptotic index was counted among 1000 cells randomly. Stable transfection assay was carried out by Lipofectamine. RESULTS Treatment of MGC80-3 cells with TPA and VP-16 resulted in apoptosis, accompanied by the repression of Bcl-2 protein in a time-dependent manner. At the same time, TPA and VP-16 also up-regulated expression level of TR3 mRNA in MGC80-3 cells that expressed TR3 mRNA. When antisense-TR3 expression vector was transfected into the cells, expression of TR3 protein was repressed. In this case, TPA and VP-16 did not induce apoptosis. In addition, TPA and VP-16-induced apoptosis involved in translocation of TR3. In MGC80-3 cells, TR3 localized concentrative in nucleus, after treatment of cells with TPA and VP-16, TR3 translocated from nucleus to cytosol obviously. However, when this nuclear translocation was blocked by LMB, apoptosis was not occurred in MGC80-3 cells even in the presence of TPA and VP-16. CONCLUSION Induction of apoptosis by TPA and VP-16 is through induction of TR3 expression and translocation of TR3 from nucleus to cytosol, which may be a novel signal pathway for TR3, and represent the new biological function of TR3 to exert its effect on apoptosis in gastric cancer cells.
Estimation of Utility Level Technical Efficiency in Electricity Distribution in India: A Parametric Frontier Approach

During the last two decades, the electricity distribution sector in many developing countries including India has undergone a wave of reforms, seeking to transfer the productivity gains to consumers and to improve the efficiency of utilities. A widely favored approach in assessing potentials for efficiency improvements is through benchmarking of utilities based on their relative efficiency. In essence, benchmarking identifies the most efficient firms in the sector and compares the actual performance of less efficient firms against the reference performance of most efficient firms. The study aims to evaluate the technical efficiency on a panel-data of 59 electricity distribution utilities in India employing the parametric approach namely Stochastic Frontier Analysis.
Anti-hemolysis of Aqueous Crude Extract of Siamese Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) during Plasmodium berghei Infection in Mice

Malaria-associated hemolysis is associated with mortality in malaria patients. It has been speculated that oxidative stress and inflammation induced by parasite infection and propagation are involved in its pathophysiology. Hence, this study was aimed to investigate the anti-hemolysis of Siamese neem tree (Azadirachta indica) extracts against Plasmodium berghei infection in mice. Leaf aqueous crude extract of Siamese neem tree was prepared using hot water method and used for oral treatment in mice. ICR mice were infected with 1×107 infected red blood cells of P. berghei ANKA by intraperitoneal injection and given the extracts (500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg) for 4-consecutive days. To assess hemolysis, hematocrit levels were then evaluated. Hematocrit level was markedly decreased during malaria parasite propagation in mice. However, anti-hemolytic effect was observed in infected mice treated with the extracts at dose-dependent manners, especially at doses of 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg. Although hemolysis was observed in pyrimethamine, antimalarial drug, treated group, but it could be protected by combination treatment of pyrimethamine with this extract. In conclusion, aqueous crude extracts of Siamese neem tree exerted anti-hemolysis induced by malaria infection and could be used as combination tre
Application of Genetic Algorithm to multi-objective optimization in LNA design

This paper discusses multi-objective optimization issues with the design scenario of an active element in microwave electronics. The Binary Genetic Algorithm [1, 3] and NSGA-II [1, 2] has been discussed in the paper. Multi-objective optimization techniques have already been in used in mechanical component design, truss structure designs, low-thrust spacecraft trajectory designs [1]. The multi-objective issues of LNA design are addressed and solved in the example of this paper. Our proposed application of an optimization technique using GA has been successfully applied to LNAs, optimizing bias conditions at the simulation and design stage. The technique can also be extended to optimizing bias conditions in any active circuit e.g. power amplifiers.
Birthweight and work participation in adulthood.

BACKGROUND In a number of studies, birthweight has been associated with cognition and educational attainment into adult age. However, the association is not clear between birthweight and work participation in adulthood. We investigated this association assessing to which extent it was influenced by circumstances concerning family background or disease in early life. METHODS Through linkage between several national registers containing personal information from birth into adult age we established a longitudinal, population-based cohort study. Study participants were all 308 829 singletons born in Norway in 1967-1971 as registered by the Medical Birth Registry of Norway who were national residents at age 29. The study outcome was unemployment defined as a lack of personal income among people who were not under education in the calendar year of their 29th birthday as registered by the National Insurance Administration and Statistics Norway. RESULTS Birthweight below the standardized mean was associated with unemployment. The risk of unemployment increased by decreasing birthweight for both women and men and also after adjustment for potential confounding factors. The association was evident both in people with or without social disadvantage, as well as people with or without childhood disease. Still, birthweight below the standardized mean explained much less of the unemployment risk than did social disadvantage (attributable fractions 8.0% versus 28.3% for women and 10.0% versus 40.2% for men). CONCLUSION Birthweight below the standardized mean was independently associated with unemployment at age 29, also in the normal birthweight range.
Online support for smoking cessation: a systematic review of the literature.

AIM To examine the efficacy and acceptability of online, interactive interventions for smoking cessation and to identify treatment effect moderators and mediators. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature (1990-2008) was conducted, finding 11 relevant randomized controlled trials. Data were extracted and risk ratios and risk differences estimated with a random effects model. RESULTS There was no evidence of publication bias. Included trials were of variable methodological quality. Web-based, tailored, interactive smoking cessation interventions were effective compared with untailored booklet or e-mail interventions [rate ratio (RR) 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-2.3] increasing 6-month abstinence by 17% (95% CI 12-21%). No overall effect of interactive compared with static web-based interventions was detected but there was significant heterogeneity, with one study obtaining a clear effect and another failing to find one. Few moderating or mediating factors were evaluated in studies and those that were had little effect. Pooled results suggest that only interventions aimed at smokers motivated to quit were effective (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.7). Fully automated interventions increased smoking cessation rates (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-2.0), but evidence was less clear-cut for non-automated interventions. Overall, the web-based interventions evaluated were considered to be acceptable and user satisfaction was generally high. CONCLUSION Interactive, web-based interventions for smoking cessation can be effective in aiding cessation. More research is needed to evaluate the relative efficacy of interactive web-based interventions compared with static websites.
The Role of Burden and Deviation in Ostracizing Others

ABSTRACT Ostracism (being excluded and ignored) is a painful experience, so why do individuals ostracize others? Previous research suggests individuals often ostracize those who are deviate, but not always. We posit that there may be two types of deviation, burdensome and non-burdensome, and the former is most likely to be ostracized. Study 1 manipulated burdensome deviation by programming a group member to perform more slowly (8 or 16 sec.) than others (4 sec.) in a virtual ball-toss game. Participants perceived slower players as more burdensome and deviate than normal speed players. Additionally, participants ostracized (gave fewer ball tosses to) the slowest player. Study 2 examined participant responses to both burdensome deviation (8- and 16-sec. players) and non-burdensome deviation (goth appearance). Participants again perceived the slower players to be burdensome and deviate, and ostracized them. They perceived the goth player to be deviate but not burdensome and did not ostracize this player.
Cytokine Activation of the HPA Axis

Abstract: The observation that administration of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) to animals activates the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA) axis stimulated great interest in the significance and mechanism of this response, and in whether other cytokines have similar activities. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) share HPA‐activating activity, although they are less potent and effective than IL‐1, whereas IL‐2 and interferon α(IFNα) lack activity. Small increases in body temperature occur in response to IL‐1, IL‐6 and TNFα, but these changes are prevented by inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX) and do not appear to be related to the HPA‐activation. The rapid HPA‐activating effects of IL‐1 are impaired by COX inhibitors, but the more prolonged HPA activation associated with intraperitoneal injections is not affected, indicating multiple mechanisms for IL‐1‐induced HPA activation. The HPA response to IL‐6 is not sensitive to COX inhibitors, but that to TNFα appears to be. The HPA‐activating activity of IL‐1 is associated with increases in the apparent release of brain noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5‐HT), but not dopamine, as well as with increased brain tryptophan. The NA changes, but not those in serotonin metabolism and tryptophan, are prevented by COX inhibitors. IL‐6 has effects on serotonin and tryptophan like those of IL‐1, but no detected effect on NA. TNFα has some effect on NA and tryptophan, but only at relatively high doses. IFNα lacks activity on these neurochemicals. Manipulation of noradrenergic, but not serotonergic systems alters the IL‐1‐induced HPA activation, suggesting the involvement of NA. However, brain NA does not appear to be essential for HPA activation in mice.