Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructure of an identified molluscan neuron in organ culture and cell culture following axotomy

We examined the ultrastructure of neuron 5 from the buccal ganglion of the mollusc Helisoma trivolvis after axotomy and organ culture, and after isolation of the same neuron in culture. Buccal ganglia containing axotomized neurons 5 were cultured either in host snails or in Leibovitz medium conditioned with ganglia. In addition, some neurons 5 were isolated from buccal ganglia by micro‐dissection and plated into culture. Neuron 5 and its processes were identified in both whole mounts and plastic sections of buccal ganglia after intracellular injection with Lucifer Yellow or horseradish peroxidase. Five days after axotomy of neuron 5, thick sections of buccal ganglia stained with toluidine blue revealed that densely staining basophilic bodies (Nissl bodies) within the cytoplasm had dispersed, i.e., they had undergone chromatolysis. Coincident with chromatolysis was an overall increase in diffuse basophilic staining within the cytoplasm of neuron 5 when maintained in organ culture. The dispersion of Nissl bodies viewed by light microscopy correlated with a more freely arranged rough endoplasmic reticulum and associated polysomes within neuron 5 as seen by electron microscopy. Isolated neurons 5 did not possess densely staining Nissl bodies when examined after 2 days in vitro, thus indicating that chromatolysis occurred earlier in isolated neurons. Furthermore, no increase in diffuse cytoplasmic basophilia was observed within isolated neurons 5 cultured in vitro. However, isolated neurons 5 exhibited a marked increase in the number of lipid‐like bodies (0.5–1.5 μm in diameter) that were particularly evident in scanning electron micrographs. Scanning and transmission electron micrographs revealed that the isolated neurons were free of associated glia, but non‐neuronal cells (hemocytes) would attach themselves to the somata and neurites. Glia surrounding neuron 5 within buccal ganglia exhibited a marked hypertrophy following axotomy and organ culture. Hypertrophy of glia was absent, however, if ganglia were axotomized and left within the animal or axotomized ganglia were implanted into host animals and examined 5 days later by electron microscopy. These observations indicate that, following axotomy, a molluscan neuron may exhibit different morphological features depending on its microenvironment. In addition, the hypertrophy of glia surrounding neurons in Helisoma was not associated with axotomy per se, but with organ culture.
Effect of Riluzole on Dyskinesia and Duration of the ON State in Parkinson Disease Patients: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of riluzole on dyskinesia and the duration of the ON state in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). The authors studied 16 PD patients with levodopa-induced dyskinesia. All patients initially received an apomorphine dose intended to induce the motor function benefit (ON state) generally accompanied by dyskinesia. They evaluated the patients during the OFF and ON states using the UPDRS-III, UPDRS-IV, and Larsen scales, and measured the duration of the ON state. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either riluzole (50 mg bid) or placebo for 7 consecutive days (8 patients in each group). The authors did not interrupt previously prescribed medication. Following the 7-day period, they carried out similar evaluation procedures before and after another apomorphine challenge. Mean UPDRS-IV scores were 6.1 points and 6.0 points before and after riluzole therapy respectively. For the placebo group, the scores were 6.9 points and 6.6 points for the initial and final evaluations respectively. Larsen scale had mean scores of 9.2 points and 9.9 points for the pre- and postriluzole periods, and 10.2 points and 9.6 points for pre- and post-placebo evaluations respectively. The ON state was 33.5% lengthier after 7 days of riluzole and 28.0% lengthier after placebo. They could not find any statistical differences between the 2 groups. Short-term riluzole administration in PD patients was not able to reduce apomorphine-induced dyskinesia but could extend the ON state duration, although this did not reach statistical significance.
Auditory brainstem maturation in normal‐hearing infants born preterm: a meta‐analysis

Children born preterm often have neurodevelopmental problems later in life. Abnormal maturation of the auditory brainstem in the presence of normal hearing might be a marker for these problems. We conducted a meta‐analysis of auditory brainstem response (ABR) latencies at term age to describe differences in auditory brainstem maturation between normal‐hearing preterm and term‐born infants.
Graduate unemployment in South Africa: Perspectives from the banking sector

Orientation: South Africa is experiencing growth in its graduate labour force, but graduateunemployment is rising with the overall unemployment rate. Graduate unemployment isproblematic, because it wastes scarce human capital, which is detrimental to the economy inthe long run. Research purpose: This study explores the perceived causes of graduate unemployment fromthe perspective of the South African banking sector. Motivation for the study: Researchers have conducted various studies on graduateunemployment in South Africa and across the globe, but few studies have beenconducted on the causes of graduate unemployment. There appear to be some gaps in theliterature; therefore, other problems and solutions to graduate unemployment have to beexplored Research approach, design and method: The researchers followed a survey design. Questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used as research instruments to identify theperceived causes of graduate unemployment in the banking sector of South Africa. Researchparticipants were unemployed graduates, recently employed graduates and graduaterecruitment managers in the banking sector. Main findings: The study shows that several factors are perceived to be the causes of graduateunemployment in the South African banking sector. These include: skills, institution attendedby graduate and differences in expectations from employers and graduates.Practical/managerial application: The findings have implications for educational institutionsand companies that are encouraged to consider possible solutions to resolving the causes ofgraduate unemployment. Contribution/value-add: This study is one of the first papers to investigate the causes ofgraduate unemployment in the South African banking sector. It provides a rich platform forfurther studies and replication in other sectors, especially within the African context.
Iterative Discrete Steering of Three-dimensional Reconstructions from X-ray Images with Limited Angle

Computer Tomography is aimed to calculate a three dimensional reconstruction of the inside of an object from series of X-ray images. This calculation corresponds to the solution of a system of linear equations, in which the equations arise from the measured X-rays and the variables from the voxels of the reconstruction volume, or more precisely, their density values. Unfortunately, some applications do not supply enough equations. In that case, the system is underdetermined. The reconstructed object, as only estimated, seems to be stretched. As there are a few voxels, that are already representing the object true to original, it is possible to exclude these variables from the system of equations. Then, the number of variables decreases. Ideally, the system gets solvable. In this paper we concentrate on the detection of all good reconstructed voxels i.e. we introduce a quality measure, called Accuratio, to evaluate the volume voxel by voxel. In our experimental results we show the reliability of Accuratio by applying it to an iterative reconstruction algorithm. In each iteration step the whole volume is evaluated, voxels with high Accuratio are excluded and the new system of equations is reconstructed again. Steadily the reconstructed object becomes “destretched”.
FluG-Dependent Asexual Development in Aspergillus nidulans Occurs via Derepression

The asexual spore is one of the most crucial factors contributing to the fecundity and fitness of filamentous fungi. Although the developmental activator FluG was shown to be necessary for activation of asexual sporulation (conidiation) and production of the carcinogenic mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (ST) in the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, the molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental switch have remained elusive. In this study, we report that the FluG-mediated conidiation in A. nidulans occurs via derepression. Suppressor analyses of fluG led to the identification of the sfgA gene encoding a novel protein with the Gal4-type Zn(II)2Cys6 binuclear cluster DNA-binding motif at the N terminus. Deletion (Δ) and 31 other loss-of-function sfgA mutations bypassed the need for fluG in conidiation and production of ST. Moreover, both ΔsfgA and ΔsfgA ΔfluG mutations resulted in identical phenotypes in growth, conidiation, and ST production, indicating that the primary role of FluG is to remove repressive effects imposed by SfgA. In accordance with the proposed regulatory role of SfgA, overexpression of sfgA inhibited conidiation and delayed/reduced expression of conidiation- and ST-specific genes. Genetic analyses demonstrated that SfgA functions downstream of FluG but upstream of transcriptional activators (FlbD, FlbC, FlbB, and BrlA) necessary for normal conidiation.
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF NEUROSCIENCE REVIEW: Development and Plasticity of the Auditory Cortex

ABSTRACT: The functions of the cerebral cortex are predominantly established during the critical period of development. One obvious developmental feature is its division into different functional areas that systematically represent different environmental information. This is the result of interactions between intrinsic (genetic) factors and extrinsic (environmental) factors. Following this critical period, the cerebral cortex attains its adult form but it will continue to adapt to environmental changes. Thus, the cerebral cortex is constantly adapting to the environment (plasticity) from its embryonic stages to the last minute of life. This review details important factors that contribute to the development and plasticity of the auditory cortex. The instructive role of thalamocortical innervation, the regulatory role of cholinergic projection of the basal forebrain and the potential role of the corticofugal modulation are presented.
Upper-limb function in Australian children with traumatic brain injury: A controlled, prospective study.

OBJECTIVE To describe upper-limb function in children with mild and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), by using both quantitative and qualitative measures. DESIGN Controlled, prospective cohort study with assessment points initially, at 6 months, and at 2 years after TBI. SETTING A tertiary pediatric trauma center in Australia. PATIENTS Fifty-one children, ranging in age up to 14 years, who were consecutive admissions with TBI. On the basis of initial and persisting abnormal coma score and persistence of posttraumatic amnesia, they were assigned to either a mild (n = 26) or a severely injured (n = 25) group. Thirty children admitted with non-TBI trauma were recruited as a control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quantitative measures included Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales. Qualitative measures included Brunnstrom Recovery Stages (adapted), categoric scales of muscle tone, grasp used when handwriting, quality of writing product, bilateral activity, and splint use. RESULTS There was little difference between the groups on the standardized assessments for subjects who could complete the tests. Qualitative measures showed the severe TBI group to have more difficulties with gross arm control, hand control, and hand function. CONCLUSION Children with severe TBI experience more and persisting difficulties with upper-limb function. It is essential to include both quantitative and qualitative measures in this type of research.
Optical imaging of matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity in tumors: feasibility study in a mouse model.

PURPOSE To develop an optical imaging method to determine the expression level of tumoral matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS An optical contrast agent was developed that was highly activatable by means of MMP-2-induced conversion. Signal characteristics of the probe were quantified ex vivo with a recombinant enzyme. Animal tumor models were established with MMP-2-positive (human fibrosarcoma cell line, n = 4) and MMP-2-negative (well-differentiated mammary adenocarcinoma, n = 4) tumor cell lines. Both tumors were implanted into nude mice and were optically imaged after intravenous administration of the MMP-2-sensitive probe. RESULTS The MMP-2-sensitive probe was activated by MMP-2 in vitro, producing up to an 850% increase in near-infrared fluorescent signal intensity. This activation could be blocked by MMP-2 inhibitors. MMP-2-positive tumors were easily identified as high-signal-intensity regions as early as 1 hour after intravenous injection of the MMP-2 probe, while contralateral MMP-2-negative tumors showed little to no signal intensity. A nonspecific control probe showed little to no activation in MMP-2-positive tumors. CONCLUSION It is feasible to image MMP-2 enzyme activity in vivo by using near-infrared optical imaging technology and "smart" matrix metalloproteinase-sensitive probes.
Article Commentary: Sepsis, Systemic Inflammatory Response, and Multiple Organ Dysfunction: The Mystery Continues

Human sepsis is thought to be systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that is activated by invasive infection. The multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is the identified failure of critical organ function in patients that have sustained SIRS. Because SIRS and MODS are consequences of the excessive activation of inflammation, extensive research and numerous clinical trials have pursued treatments that would modify the inflammatory response. This presentation reviews the normal local mechanisms of inflammation and provides a theoretical framework for the transition of the inflammatory process to a systemic level. Clinical trials with biomodulators to block or inhibit inflammation have generally failed to improve the outcomes in patients with severe sepsis, septic shock, and MODS. The role of counter-inflammatory signaling and the newer concept of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway are being investigated, and newer hypotheses are focusing upon the balancing of proinflammatory and counter-inflammatory mechanisms as important directions for newer therapies. It is concluded that failure to define novel and effective treatments reflects fundamental gaps in our understanding of inflammation and its regulation.
Do long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonists enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticoids in asthma?

Airway inflammation is a central feature in the pathophysiology of asthma and cytokine networks play a fundamental role in the chronic inflammatory process. Anti-inflammatory treatment with inhaled corticosteroids provides the mainstay of asthma management in conjunction with bronchodilator therapy. Short-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists have been used as bronchodilator treatment in asthma for decades and whilst these agents produce useful bronchodilatation through airway smooth muscle relaxation, concerns were raised for several years that they may have deleterious pro-inflammatory effects when given on their own. Short-acting β2-agonists can cause a rebound increase in bronchial responsiveness after cessation of therapy 1 and regular salbutamol use can increase the early response to allergen 2. A number of recent clinical studies, however, particularly with long-acting β2-agonists have contradicted the established dogma that β2-agonists are potentially harmful and may mask underlying inflammation 3–7. Studies with long-acting β2-agonists have shown that when these drugs are given in conjunction with inhaled steroids, they produce beneficial effects on symptoms, airflow and asthma exacerbations 3–7. Whilst these findings may reflect the fact that the best treatment for asthma is to combine an anti-inflammatory drug with a long-acting airway smooth muscle relaxant, they raise the intriguing possibility that there is a beneficial interaction between long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists and corticosteroids on part of the inflammatory process. There are a number of in vitro studies which suggest potential anti-inflammatory actions of β2-adrenoceptor agonists which may be complementary or even synergistic with the actions of corticosteroids and the manuscript in this issue by Korn et al . …
Safety in Numbers

Background. Robotic-assisted surgery has potential benefits over laparoscopy yet little has been published on the integration of this platform into complex surgical oncology. We describe the outcomes associated with integration of robotics into a large surgical oncology program, focusing on metrics of safety and efficiency. Methods. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of robotic procedures from July 2009 to October 2014 identifying trends in volume, operative time, complications, conversion to open, and 90-day mortality. Results. Fourteen surgeons performed 1236 cases during the study period: thyroid (246), pancreas/duodenum (458), liver (157), stomach (56), colorectal (129), adrenal (38), cholecystectomy (102), and other (48). There were 38 conversions to open (3.1%), 230 complications (18.6%), and 13 mortalities (1.1%). From 2009 to 2014, operative volume increased (7 cases/month vs 24 cases/month; P < .001) and procedure time decreased (471 ± 166 vs 211 ± 140 minutes; P < .001) with statistically significant decreases for all years except 2014 when volume and time plateaued. Conversion to open decreased (12.1% vs 1.7%; P = .009) and complications decreased (48.5% vs 12.3%; P < .001) despite increasing complexity of cases performed. There were 13 deaths within 90 days (5/13 30-day mortality) and 2 (15.4%) were from palliative surgeries. Conclusions. Implementation of a diverse robotic surgical oncology program utilizing multiple surgeons is safe and feasible. As operative volume increased, operative time, complications, and conversions to open decreased and plateaued at approximately 3 years. No unanticipated adverse events attributable to the introduction of this platform were observed.
"Pass-Through" de las tasas de interés en Colombia: Un enfoque multivariado con cambio de régimen

La transmision de la tasa de politica a las tasas de interes de mercado es el primer eslabon del mecanismo de transmision de la politica monetaria en un esquema de inflacion objetivo, por esta razon, la magnitud y la rapidez con la que se presente dicha transmision es de vital importancia para la efectividad de dicha politica. Dada la evidencia de una transmision lenta e incompleta y de la posible existencia de estructuras multivariadas que pueden verse afectadas por las condiciones del entorno, la estimacion del pass-through de tasas de interes deberia no solo considerar la influencia de otras variables diferentes a la tasa de politica en los mercados de creditos y depositos, sino tambien, el posible efecto que sobre dicha dinamica puedan tener diferentes estados o regimenes de la economia.
Computer-Mediated Communication and The Public Sphere: A Critical Analysis

In recent times much has been said about the possibility that the two-way, decentralized communications of cyberspace can provide sites of rational-critical discourse autonomous from state and economic interests and thus extending the public sphere at large. In this paper the extent to which the Internet does in fact enhance the public sphere is evaluated. Online deliberative practices are compared with a normative model of the public sphere developed from the work of Jurgen Habermas. The evaluation proceeds at a general level, drawing upon more specific Internet research to provide a broad understanding of the democratic possibilities and limitations of the present Internet. The analysis shows that vibrant exchange of positions and rational critique does take place within many online fora. However, there are a number of factors limiting the expansion of the public sphere online. These factors include the increasing colonization of cyberspace by state and corporate interests, a deficit of reflexivity, a lack of respectful listening to others, the difficulty of verifying identity claims and information put forward, the exclusion of many from online political fora, and the domination of discourse by certain individuals and groups. The article concludes by calling for more focused Internet-democracy research to address these problems further, research for which the present paper provides a starting point.
The hypertrophic neuropathy of acromegaly; a rare neuropathy associated with acromegaly.

NEUROPATHIES in acromegaly are rarely observed despite the frequent appearance of these patients in neurological and neurosurgical clinics. Paresthesiae, on the other hand, are noted frequently and have been commented upon often.1-3These sensory symptoms are usually attributed to nerve entrapment by bony and soft tissue hypertrophy, for example, the carpal tunnel entrapment of the median nerve branches.4-6The slight symmetrical sensorimotor peripheral neuropathies occasionally found in acromegalics have been attributed to the mild diabetes mellitus so frequently associated with overproduction of growth hormone. In the literature one finds the occasional comment that hypertrophic tissue develops in the perineurium of the nerves of acromegalics but histological material is not available.2,6 The following acromegalic patient recently examined and treated at the Neurological Institute of New York, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, exhibited a severe debilitating progressive peripheral neuropathy with interesting changes in perineurium and endoneurium found on nerve biopsy.
Knowledge and attitudes of nursing staff and mothers towards kangaroo mother care in the eastern sub-district of Cape Town Introduction

2012;25(1) S Afr J Clin Nutr Solomons N, RD(SA), MSc (Nutrition Management) Division of Dietetics, University of the Western Cape Rosant C, RD(SA), MSc (Nutrition Management) Department of Health, Helderberg District Hospital Correspondence to: Nasheetah Solomons, e-mail: nsolomons@uwc.ac. za
Multi-Gbps 60-GHz single-carrier system using a low-power coherent detection technique

We describe a multi-Gbps 60-GHz single-carrier system using a low-power coherent detection technique. To realize low-power operation at such a high data rate, it is crucial to design the system with reduced oversampling factor and bit depth. A table-based IQ phase rotator and a time-domain polyphase equalizer have been designed for realizing a robust and low-power coherent link under these conditions with rounding-error-free operations and effective interpolations. The entire baseband signal processing is implemented in FPGAs and we are successful in multi-Gbps per-packet transmissions per the IEEE 802.15. 3c single-carrier PHY (SC-PHY) format for π/2-BPSK and π/2-QPSK modulations at a full data rate. We confirmed that the 60-GHz single-carrier system can be robust to the carrier and sampling frequency offsets within 50 ppm, even with 2× oversampling factor and 3-bit ADCs, which can lower the power consumption.